Idol Chat
I was thinking about the recent sporting news that announced Mike Lowell signed on with the Red Sox for another three years. After hearing about the 37 -or-so-million dollar contract on the radio - I related the information to my 13 year old daughter. And, in the telling of it, I felt a bit sad about the world that she is growing up in.
When I was her age, Carl Yazstremski played for Boston… as did Rico Petrocelli and Tony C… Al Kaline and Norm Cash were Detroit Tigers, and Thurman Munson was a hated Yankee. Henry Aaron? The Braves… Willy Mays? Giants? Roberto Clemente? Pittsburgh. Of course. These players formed our regional identity. You couldn’t imagine them in another uniform - and you got the feeling they couldn’t either. We all belonged.
You see, back then - the Team was more important than the players who were ON the team. Athletes belonged to a franchise - and in doing so, gave up some of their own personal rights. They played for the city and it’s people - not just for their own fame, fortune and subsequent contract to be secured with the highest bidder. I am not sure where or when it all changed… but it is surely not for the better. Now, each year, the “hometown team” is a new collection of rich men, playing with the hopes of yet improving their lot for the next season; if only they can amass good stats.
It’s the same in other sports. I am glad for the Celtics recent success - but it has been purchased - not earned the old fashioned way - through hard work, player development and practice. Kevin Garnett is a huge talent - but a Celtic? I guess so… For that matter, I am just getting used to watching Randy Moss in a Patriot uniform, and already in mid-season, the talk is much conjecture about where he will catch passes next year.
Since faith comes to play in all things, I am reminded, in all of this, of the Christmas season upcoming, where God (who’s really famous and has quite a fortune) demonstrated His unselfish love for mankind by negotiating a contract which called for him to step down out of glory - and into a lowly stable. He (Jesus) gave up all claims to prestige and power in order to redeem a race of people who really didn’t even seem to care much. He gave up personal power in order to purchase a priceless and powerful salvation - for others… not for Himself. He did it for our ol’ Human league… and for the city. Our city.
He’s really different than us. I want my daughter to know that… In a nation that even puts the name ”Idol” on it’s constant seach for more stars - the contrast is quite profound. True worship isn’t ever idol worship. It’s a whole lot different… and it has quite a lasting affect on those who believe.
So… welcome back to Boston, Mike Lowell… and hurry back to earth - Jesus. We need you, now.