As much as Fall may mean crisp evenings, the changing (and falling) leaves, and pumpkin spice for some people, for me it means the return of college football and my beloved Bulldogs teeing it up between the hedges at Sanford Stadium on the campus of the University of Georgia. I love the sport of football in general, but I especially love the intricacies of college football. The marching bands at halftime (and through the game), the rivalries, the crowds (where, at many stadiums, they are as large outside at the tailgate as they are in the stands during the game), and the constant rotation of freshman coming in and seniors going out…all of these and more add up to something that is very unique in sports. Many of us have a love for a specific team because of our time spent as a student at that particular institution.
I was listening to a sports talk radio program this week where one of the hosts was describing how he felt returning to the school he had attended (Middle Tennessee State) for a football weekend. As he walked around campus and spent time with some of the current members of the fraternity he had been part of as a student, many great memories rushed back. When he was finished describing all the fanfare, he said something that really caught my attention: “Why did I ever leave this place?”
I chose not to attend UGA as an undergrad because of its size. I didn’t want to be one of 300-400 students in a freshman English class. I chose instead to attend much smaller schools: the first was a small two-year junior college in my home county with about 500 students, and the second was a public liberal arts college about three and a half hours from home with about 5,000 students. When the radio host described how those memories flooded back when he stepped foot on campus, I understood what he meant. This past winter, I traveled down to the school from which I earned by baccalaureate degree to attend the funeral of one of my professors. I had not been on campus in over a decade, but as I was driving into the small town in which the university is situated, I was instantly reminded of many drives along that highway. As I passed businesses – some new, some the same – I remembered many meals at the different restaurants with friends. As I walked around campus that day, memories from classes, football games on the front lawn well into those warm Georgia nights, hanging out with friends, serving in student government, and much more filled me with a strong sense of nostalgia. Then, seeing the faces of old professors and old friends warmed my heart as we laughed together, cried together, and thought of days that sure seemed simpler than the ones we’re in now.
As strong as those memories and emotions can be when I return to the campuses where I spent years as a student, they do not hold a candle to the emotions I have about the Church. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I am genuinely excited and happy when it is time to gather together with my brothers and sisters and worship the Lord. Many of the fondest memories I have involve the Church – experiencing God’s grace in salvation and baptism; potlucks on the lawn; youth group outings; answering the call to ministry; serving in various ministries; being privileged to be part of people being born again, discipling them, marrying them, and comforting their families as they enter the presence of their Lord. There are tough memories, too, but God’s grace is eminent in those as much, if not more, than in the good ones. Yet, for many Christians, Church is a drudgery. There is more joy about a football game or a homecoming at a college than there is in the gathering of the saints to worship and praise the Lord who has showered them with grace and blessings in Christ beyond comprehension! This week, I challenge you to examine your heart in how you feel about corporate worship and fellowship. Are you looking forward to Church more than you are to the big game, or is it the opposite? What kind of difference would it make in your life if those were reversed? Just something to think about…
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