Kickoff
In a sure sign fall is just around the corner, football is back!
Week One of the NFL preseason is in the books. There were two ties (including my Chicago Bears with the Miami Dolphins) and a third game suspended after Morice Norris, Jr. of the Detroit Lions suffered a serious head and neck injury.
Meanwhile, the preseason Associated Press Top 25 rankings for college football was released in advance of the first games kicking off August 23. Texas opens the season ranked number one but faces defending champion and third-ranked Ohio State to open the season.
Analysis and eternal perspective: For sports fans, the beginning and ending of the various sports’ schedules marks the seasons as much as any calendar. In my world, it will still be baseball season until early November, but for many, football now takes centerstage from a sports perspective.
The injury to Morice Norris is a reminder of the truth in 1 Timothy 4:8 that healthy bodies are a tremendous blessing for the here and now, but only the things that are eternal will add value to both this life and the one that is to come! As you reflect on that truth, remember to specifically pray for a full recovery for Norris.
The preseason college rankings are a fun way to forecast the future, but as any sports fan will tell you, the final rankings will not be the same as the preseason rankings! That is of course because the teams have yet to take the field! It reminds us of Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
It is wise to plan (Pr. 6:6-11). But remember to trust the God of the universe to make firm the ground beneath your feet (Ps. 37:23)!
Go Bears! Go Illini (in case you were wondering, we are ranked #12, which for us is a tremendous feat)! And since it is really still baseball season, go Cubs go!
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.