If you are friends with me on Facebook, you already know that my brother, Doug, and I decided to find a way to attend the World Series Game #4 at Wrigley Field in Chicago last night. Our father was a die hard fan his entire life and along with legions of other fans throughout the years, Dad never experienced the thrill of the Cubs winning a World Series in his lifetime. He died back in 1978 and while Doug is still a rabid fan, I follow the Cubs more from afar since we moved to the Indy area back in 1982.
But that hasn’t stopped the thrill of watching the Cubs progress through the season and into the post season with the best record in baseball this year. Dad would have been absolutely thrilled but it never occurred to me that Doug and I could actually attend a game. I do know that if Dad was still with us, we would have done everything possible to get him to a game. But Doug started looking around and through a series of contacts he had, we secured two wonderful seats to the game last night.
I went to Chicago yesterday afternoon and ahead of the game, Doug and I had a bite at a local restaurant in Wrigleyville. Clearly, we were both thinking of Dad and how much he would have loved the whole event. We finally entered Wrigley Field and found our seats, after running into people we have known for years! To say the least, it was a disappointing game. The place was full of celebrities, but that didn’t help the crowd deal with the loss of the game to the Cleveland Indians. I couldn’t help but notice how quiet it was as the fans left the stadium.
To be sure, it was too bad that we couldn’t score a “W”, but it was not to be. And in case you don’t know this, since the 1930’s, the Cubs fly the “W” in the outfield after every home win. Needless to say, the entire city had flags in windows, hanging over balconies and anywhere else that the “W” can be displayed. Chicago is a unique city – everybody comes together at times like this and it was great to be back. It’s at times like last night that there is no doubt that I am a native son. All of my friends that I grew up with in the Windy City feel the same way, I am sure.
Doug and I both felt bad that we didn’t experience the electricity of watching the Cubs win a World Series game at home. However, I also know that in the scheme of things it isn’t as important as we make it out to be. The important thing to remember is that God never fails us. In fact, each time we interact with the Father, we get to fly the “W” – it’s always a win with God. While it may be true that we don’t always get everything we want, we can rest assured that we get everything we need.
The verse for this evening is from the Psalms. We are told that it’s God’s hand that wins the day for us. The Psalmist reminds us in Ps. 44:3, “It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.” My encouragement this evening is that God always wants us to be in His will and that constitutes a “Win.” My prayer is that we all can keep things in perspective and know that if we believe in Christ, we can fly the “W” for all eternity. By the way, the Cubs just won this evening. They just joisted the “W” in center field. Go Cubs!!! Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…
Scott
Congratulations on the game with Doug and the belated Win. And you are correct, a Win with GOD is much more important. It is great to know we have our priorities right–at least some of the time, correct?
thanks again
Dave