Doug Van Pelt

A Defeated Football Fan's Prayer

Father,
Thank You for allowing me to watch my team lose yesterday.
As much as I wanted to see them win, those last 4 minutes of the game were thrilling.
Thank You for that. Being able to watch my favorite team with the playoffs on the line, knowing that whatever happened in the next few minutes would determine whether they advanced in the playoffs or not -- that's exciting stuff. Not every fan gets to see their team in the playoffs with all "this" on the line. It's a real privilege and I can appreciate the sense of all the hard work those players and coaches put into getting that far. I'm grateful for the good season they had. I'm sad to see it end now, but knowing they had a chance and being able to watch it unfold, with all the possibilities of victory right there... It was thrilling. I'm so glad they play games like this and don't just determine a winner at the end by looking at statistics and measuring weight, height, and sprint times. They actually go out and compete. The thrill of it all is fun. I did have some fun. Thank You for that.

I wonder what You think when people pray to You during the game. Do You laugh? Do You chuckle? I imagine You take pleasure in watching humans compete with each other in a game. I took pleasure in the game and, again, I want to say "thanks" for that. I'm sorry if I mope around a little bit for a while now as I'm reminded of the disappointment. I'll try to remember this attitude of gratitude when this happens.
I love You.
Amen.