My 2 Cents on Tebow Mania

I am writing this about 7 hours before Tebow takes the field against the team most people think will end up in the Super Bowl... against the man that most people would rank one of the top 2 quarterbacks in the NFL... against the coach that many, including myself, think may be the most brilliant football coach ever. He and the Broncos are definitely the underdogs.

Everyone it seems is going crazy about Tim Tebow; but not quite everyone. You find people on both sides either cheering him or arguing that he is not worthy to be playing the quarterback position in the NFL. I have my own thoughts about him and why I am pulling for him. So, if happen to care what I think about this guy, here goes...

Yes, I have definitely gotten aboard the Tim Tebow bandwagon. I will stay on it until they play the Redskins and then I will abruptly abandon it - that certainly will not be happening this year so no immediate worries. Here's what I like about him and reasons I have for chanting "Tebow, Tebow" during a game:

1. His character & work ethic - Say what you want about his ability but no one can say anything negative about his character or work ethic. The picture I chose to put on this post is one that I will always remember when watching him play at Florida. He is not a quitter. He wasn't in college and he isn't in the NFL.
   
2. His ability to focus - Can you imagine how difficult it may be to head to your job and all that you hear from everyone is that you're not very good and you will never make it? He is like a skilled NASCAR driver racing through the smokescreen objections and proving everyone that he can play... not only play but be a winner. He very well may lose tonight but ask any Bronco fan about 12 weeks ago if they really thought their team would still be playing in the middle of January. Very few, if any, would have answered with a confident "Yes!"
3. His boldness to talk about Christ - Without a doubt I know that Tebow is not the only Christian playing in the NFL. One of the moments that I most enjoy when going to an NFL game is what happens at the end. At the end of games you will see athletes from both teams, guys who were enemies moments before, gather at mid-field in unity to pray. That is encouraging. There are many Christian players in the NFL. I admire all of them, not just Tebow. Why is he different? He's different because of his position - quarterback. The QB is the leader of any team. As a leader, people tend to at least want to listen to what the leader has to say. He is not ashamed of Jesus and gives Him thanks for all that happens. So does God really care about football? Let me ask you - do you think God really cares about you and your job? I definitely believe God does care. Do I pray that God blesses me and my business? YES! I would be a fool not to ask for His help. Why would anyone expect Tebow to not ask for the help of His Creator? Why would anyone be shocked when he gives God thanks after every score?
4. He's an underdog. I would be fibbing if I said I don't pull for the underdog at often times. Hey, I am a Redskin fan. I have to!

WORD OF CAUTION - Tebow is not God. He hasn't claimed to be but others are putting him in that light. Tebow is a sinner that has been saved by grace. He makes mistakes and don't be surprised if he makes a mistake in life (sin) along the way. I do get offended when I see posts on Facebook that state things like Tebow 3:16. I get offended when I see Jimmy Fallon make light of Tebow and his faith and make fun of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tim Tebow has an opportunity, due to his position in the NFL, to share with others what has changed his life. He has an opportunity that God has given him to share with many, many people - more people than most of us could ever reach. For this reason, more than any other, I chant "Tebow, Tebow, Tebow!" I thank God for providing a role model that young kids can look up to that loves God, loves people, doesn't abuse women, doesn't do drugs and is a warrior.

Go Tebow and Hail to the Redskins!

Watercolor Ponies Riding Away

This Wednesday is it... a day that Trish and I knew was coming - our daughter is moving out and heading to Liberty. I am so proud of her and happy for her that she is entering an exciting chapter in her life; yet, the reality of what is happening just hit me like an atomic bomb.

The thoughts swirling in my head... first and foremost, was I a good dad to her? I am trying to justify that I was; although the initial thoughts are of what more I could have done. Such as...

• Stopped at her bedroom door more often and prayed for her.
• Knocked on her door and just said "I love you." I know I am guilty of sometimes talking to my kids when I feel they need instruction more often than just talking to them.
• Gone on more dates. I think I remember most of the ones we went on. She deserved more.

I guess it just hit how much I take the time with my family for granted. You can't go backwards on time but you can make adjustments going forward. It would be so much easier to have made these adjustments with her in my home though.

I love her more than words can say. I pray my actions for her have spoken my love. When Trish and I were at Liberty, a popular Christian singer, Wayne Watson, came and performed a concert. His most well-known song talks about what I am experiencing. If you have kids, take a few minutes and click on the title to this blog and listen... the lyrics are below.

Whitney Sweat - I LOVE YOU!!!

Lyrics to Watercolor Ponies :There are watercolour ponies / On my refrigerater door / And the shape of somethingI don't really recognize / Drawn by careful little fingers / And put proudly on display / A reminder to us allOf how time flies / Seems an endless mound of laundry / And a stairway laced with toys / Gives a blow by blowReminder of the war / That we fight for their well-beingFor their greater understanding / To impart a holy reverance For the Lord / But, baby, what will we do / When it comes back to me and you? / They look a little less Like little boys every day / Oh, the pleasure of watching The children growing / Is mixed with a bitter cup / Of knowing the watercolour ponies / Will one day ride away / And the vision can get so narrow / As you view through your tiny world / And little victories can go by / With no applause / But in the greater evaluation / As they fly from your nest of love / May they mount up with wings / As eagles for His cause