Alot of us have things we follow very closely. For women, it's about the latest fashion, a singer, and a ton of other things. For men, it's usually in the realm of sports. Some men follow the latest gadgets and Apple products. Thank goodness I'm the former, naturally.
It's no secret that I've followed the Rangers my entire life. I've been a Cowboys fan, a Mavericks fan, a Bulls fan, and a fan of many teams or indidivual players. Nothing has compared to my incredible passion for my baseball team, or "our" team as I often call them.
For years, I wondered when I would get to see them make the playoffs. For years, I dreamed of watching them go to the World Series. I wondered every year, what would it feel like to be there when my team wins. It was always a "wonder".
In 2010, I followed 158 games and caught the highlight reel of every single game. I followed every possible pitch of the postseason. They were making it, winning, winning and more winning. I was loving every minute of it, like a kid all over again. I was giddy, and still am giddy about where they're at right now!
But there was a moment where it all happened. I was with my dad, both of us die hards for our team. We were hoping to see a W and watch them close out the final series and head to the World Series. Inning by inning, all I could do was smile. It was going to happen. The 9th inning came. The ENTIRE crowd was on their feet. As the first out happened, it got louder. Louder again when they got the second out.
With two strikes on the batter, the man I who I happen to hate the most, you could feel that the whole city was plugged in and watching! The third strike came, A-Rod struck out and the crowd went CRAZY! Hat in hand, the strap came loose, my other hand had the pom-pom they gave us and it was whipping back and forth. High fives to dudes I didn't even know, to moms I didn't know. Heck, even high fives to little old ladies outside of the stadium!
About two minutes after celebrating, I tried to tell my dad something. All that came out was "Ahh eehhh cann ttt aaammmm innng". Nothing but a muttering man I became! I was so in awe of what I saw, what moment I got to experience with the one I wanted to spend it with the most!
Why did I just tell you about this? As a believer, I've gotten so much from this! I truly believe that God created everything for our good, for our enjoyment in Him. Even baseball.
I began to really think about the power of God. Alot of us think about the day that we see God and worship Him forever. If I was speechless after my team won and only smiles all over my face.... I can't wait to experience something a million times greater when I see my God who created me, who saved me and who blesses my life each and every day! I can't wait to celebrate with the millions of believers that are with me for eternity. It was great to celebrate a baseball game with fans who truly loved the team, but how much greater will it be to celebrate the God of the universe with an infinitely greater number of people?!
My wish until that day is that I grow in my passion for the God of the universe. Not that I can't continue my baseball passion, because that won't fade. I just want to be an 80 year old man who can tell his friends and family about all that God has done in his life and the amazing grace that God has shown in his life.
I want to be a die hard. In more ways than one.
