January 20, 2014 (Monday)
The date and place of the next Superbowl have been on the calendar for quite some time. Now the two teams are known: Denver Bronchos and Seattle Seahawks. Prepare to hear all about them during the next two weeks. One of them will emerge as world champion and then the books will close on football until the exhibition games in August, when the whole cycle begins again.
Basketball has already begun, Baseball is not far behind, and both will capture attention for months, sprinkled liberally with hockey, soccer, tennis, golf, and other games, most of which are spectator sports.
The Olympics are near at hand, and millions of people will be watching, thrilled with the thought of young people who have prepared themselves for participation in the games and events. While we who watch are inspired by the sacrifice and effort put forth by the participants, we are only spectators. Relatively few people are involved, when compared to the millions of people who are watchers.
Christ is calling people to become involved helpers. It’s nice to be inspired by the work of others, but opportunities abound for us to do something ourselves. Professionals ease pain and save lives, but so do volunteers. The happiest people in the world are those who are helping others in some way. Not only are we to cheer for the players; we need to get into the game ourselves. All we need are willing hearts and the will to serve the Lord and others. Let us reach out to someone today.
If I can help somebody, as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song,
If I can show somebody, how they’re traveling wrong,
Then my living shall not be in vain.