If Thursday was a day for Americans to feast on turkey and all the fixin’s, today is a day when we feast on college football. There are so many good games that some of us will be glued to the couch…similar to what happened Thursday after we ate all that turkey and fixin’s. There is one big difference though. Thanksgiving brings families together, while today’s rivalry games will divide many of those same families. Even friends and fellow church members will be on opposite sides. Check out the picture below that shows a local church sign.

We often give each other a “hard time” over a football game, but only the fringe “nuts” who’ve lost perspective take it beyond that. Unfortunately in many homes, hurt feelings and anger over past events that have nothing to do with sports keep brothers and sisters, parents and children, and various other members of the family from speaking to one another. But instead of posting a benign message on a sign, we say hateful things that only increase the divide.

As a pastor I’ve seen enough of those situations to last a life time. I sometimes wonder if we’re losing more than the ability to forgive…it seems many of us are losing the ability to overlook the little things that often make us mad.

So today as you enjoy the games, remember that people matter more than sports. During the week ahead, choose to reach out to someone who could use your kindness and do so with enthusiasm equal to the passion you show for your team.

Now enjoy the games…and GO BIG BLUE.

Pastor Steve Hogg