January 17, 2024

I am happy to report that Detroit Lions fever is spreading faster than the flu. A couple of days ago, Cathi mentioned to me that she had been listening to 97.1 (Detroit Sports Talk station) earlier that day. Mind you, this is the girl who has one preset on her car radio (WRCJ – Classical Music). So, when she said that she was listening to a sports talk station, I wondered what had happened to my wife!? Well, the Lions had happened to her. And, it is fun, but also, sad in a way.

No sooner did the parade in Ann Arbor conclude, honoring U of M’s National Championship, when reports started leaking out about likely coaching changes, players leaving for the draft and transfer portal all of which is stirred up by endless rumors. In a way I feel bad for U of M fans. You all don’t even get a chance to enjoy what you have. The “what about next year” conversation is already stealing the spotlight of all that you had this year, which brings me to my point about the Lions.

If the Lions would happen to run the table and win it all, I’m afraid that we’d burn down the city in celebration. If this place has gone almost stark-raving mad over one playoff victory, can you imagine a second, a third and dare I say, the Super Bowl? But, if we did, then we know what will happen. Before the champagne is cleaned out the lockers, reporters will be asking about next year and raising questions about whether the team will be any good again. Why aren’t we allowed to just enjoy the moment? Life has a way of getting in the way, doesn’t it?

But what if you had a day, when everything went absolutely perfect? Your heart was full of joy. Everything that you heard and experienced only added to your gladness. All the news about your friends and family was positively splendid. You had no aches, no fears, no worries about a bill that was due, a car that needed to be fixed, a doctor’s appointment or an unresolved relationship. On top of that, the weather was perfect. What if you had a day like that? We can hardly imagine that, can we? And we could not imagine that it would last. After all, all good things must come to an end, right? Actually, that is not right.

One day, that won’t be imaginary. One day that will be reality and it won’t just be for a day. It will be forever. It is true that in this life, all good things must come to an end. However, for the follower of Christ, the day is coming when all good things will never end. Remember that, Pilgrim. Let the unceasing joy of what is coming, inform and encourage your faithfulness now.

Grace, peace and go Lions!

Bob

Sunday’s Text: Luke 3:7-14