thoughts on the election and ESPN radio

my family on Independence Day 2012

I've taken to listening to ESPN Radio while driving in the car. I'm not quite sure how that happened. Maybe it was my joining Dave's Fantasy Football league. (And I'm winning the league, by the way. 6-3 record. Just thought I'd throw that out there.) Maybe it was the fact that all the other radio stations either play crappy music or commercials and the classical station comes in fuzzy at times. Maybe it just happened because that is what Dave listens to. Either way, I'm an ESPN Radio fan.

The funny thing about it is that I enjoy it, and more than once I have been inspired by something that was said. A few weeks ago someone said that limitations in a quarterback make them greater because it gives them focus. I don't remember exactly how he worded it, but it reminded me of the scripture, "I give unto men weakness that they may be humble. ... for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." I've been thinking of ways the my limitations can bring focus to my life.

Once again today I tuned in. The election news has infiltrated everything, including ESPN.  They talked about the similarities between the CNN coverage of the election and the (over-the-top) game day coverage. Pundits battling it out, speculating on who would win and what the other team needed to do to bring in a win, and die-hard fans refusing to see the good in the other side.  The interesting thing about this analogy is that, in sports, even the most devoted fan of one team can still see talent in someone on the other side. Politics, not so much.

But there was much more at stake last night. It wasn't about a championship ring or a trophy on a shelf. We are talking about our freedom and the future we are building for future generations.  And yet, with so much more at stake, you would hope as a nation we would be more determined to see the good in both sides. Intelligent, patriotic, passionate people are on both sides of the fence, fighting for what they believe to be right. Instead of insults and "gloom and doom" attitudes, we should be looking for the talent and skills that both parties can bring to the table. That is really the only way to solve problems. Answers to complex problems don't come easily. Besides, most people want what is best for the people, and that means we are on the same team, whether or not we agree.

Although things didn't turn out as I hoped last night, I will continue to pray for our country and its leaders. I will continue to look for the good in both sides, and try to be a well-informed citizen. And mostly, I'll remember who really is in charge after all, and focus on raising my children to love God and America. (And sports.)