Reflecting on the Super Bowl

Well, it's all over now: The media hype, the exaggerated expectations of how many would come, from across America, and the world, all the streets closed and the safety precautions, the high hopes for sales of practically everything, the spying out celebrities, the astronomical game ticket prices, the soaring room rents.  And then the special events.  And the oft-repeated media hope that the world would come to Minnesota and be so taken with our beautiful state and beautiful people, that the visitors would promise to return, and that somehow we would be on the map in some larger, grander way - even more profitable way.

The game experience, by television, was dizzying, with commercials too loud, too fast, with messages inscrutable or bizarre. (What were they selling?) But clearly the contest itself was being played by teams who were deft, determined, playing their hearts out, and, for all their muscles and agility, seemed in the end so young, so human. 

There was the winning quarterback - a "back-up" one at that, holding his tiny child with boyish pride.  And the Eagles coach saying few words but with thanks to everyone, especially and most particularly Jesus Christ whom he loved and served.

I, as one from New England, was partial to the Patriots, but though disappointed at their loss, was pleased with the game well-played, every one giving his best with skill and daring - even with miracle chances that might have succeeded but didn't.  It's harder to play well when you're losing.  Things happen inside your head, your soul.  Yet, the Patriots played well, and the Eagles, playing well, were unstoppable.  You'd have to say, "It was a good game."

I sensed on Monday, in the Flagship locker room, a relief that it was over.  A little bit tired of the hype some said.  Maybe glad to be out of the spotlight as a people, a city, a state.  Glad to go back to normal cold, and winter, and the real hope for spring - and other real things.

Glad I sensed with some, to go back to lives of real issues, real hopes and dreams, real and daily challenges.  Maybe back to real faith - our own - the God one loves and lives for.  The work of being for Jesus, and going with Jesus, day by day - by day by day.  Back to church and the people we know and love, for whom we pray, and who pray for us.

Such a mercy is church, and the dear people, and the glorious road of faith.  Love you all.