Dodger Resilience
Okay I can't go without writing about the Dodgers! Sorry if you're not a sports fan but that game on Saturday night was incredible! To come back from being down 4-2 in the 8th inning, hitting a dramatic home run in the 9th inning to tie the score, and then winning on another home run in the 11th inning was unbelievable! It wasn't just that they came back but every time the Blue Jays had their turn at bat it seemed like they were on the verge of scoring and winning the game. Yet the Dodgers would make one improbable play after another to keep the score tied. So every part of the last half of the game was nerve-racking. It was one of those games where, as a Dodgers fan, there was no point where it felt like they had this "in the bag" until the game actually ended, and that was on a game-ending double-play with the Blue Jays threatening to score again. This final game seemed to be a microcosm of the entire series where the Blue Jays seemed to be in control and the Dodgers were just barely hanging on. But in the end, they pulled it out!
Just a couple of thoughts. One is that watching the game together was a real unifying experience. It's funny how sports does that sometimes. On Saturday, a group of us were at church helping set up and prepare for the Harvest Festival. So we were already having a good time together! But the Dodgers game just sucked us in! It's a good thing we had finished most of our set up because we were glued to the TV the last half of the game. Not that everybody in the room was a die-hard Dodgers fan, but there's a strange sense of camaraderie when everyone is locked-in together and rooting for the same team. I've had plenty of experiences celebrating and high-fiving strangers at Dodgers, Lakers, USC, and yes, even Angels games, in the past. And it was like that on Saturday! When the double-play ended the game and the Dodgers had won, there were cheers, hugs, high-fives all around, and fireworks too (thanks to the exuberant neighbors)! It was a bonding experience for all twelve of us still there that night!
The second thought is resilience. The Dodgers showed great resilience in the game and the series. When the Blue Jays jumped ahead in the game or when they went up in the series three games to two, and only needed one more win, the Dodgers didn't give up and won the last two games scratching and clawing to get there! From a sports standpoint, the Dodgers maintained faith that they could still win and persevered through the trials and circumstances they faced. As God's people, we're called to do the same. Resilience is built on a steadfast belief in God's plan and sovereignty, even in the face of challenging circumstances. Though it may not be played out on a big stage, we are to persevere through our trials strengthening our faith and character like Joseph, Job, and Jesus Himself. The book of James reminds us that enduring trials produce in us resilience, perseverance, and maturity. In a small way, let us take a page out of the Dodgers' playbook and learn to be resilient in the Lord.
Pastor Darren
