Football is my Companion!

There is a crispness in the air, today.  It whispers Fall.  Football!  Football has been a companion my entire life.  It was my companion before I was aware.  Football was Thanksgiving.  I was born into a football family.  Mostly, it was college football.  I traveled to games to watch my uncle quarterback his team at William and Mary.  I became the unofficial sweetheart of his fraternity of fellow players.  But, I didn’t leave football with my childhood.  I have remained a staunch ally of football through my adulthood:  becoming acquainted with players and being victorious in office pools.  Football is a comfortable constant in my life.

Jesus has been my companion my entire life.  He was my companion before I was aware.  I was born into a Christian family.  My parents were active in our churches:  serving and participating.  The Sundays of my childhood were spent in Sunday clothes at Sunday school and Church service.  Summers included two weeks of Vacation Bible School.  My mother hosted women’s teas and my father counted the offering and paid the bills.  I am extremely fortunate to have had these examples in my life…and, to have had an early introduction to Christ.

I learned scripture verses that often come to mind just as I need an answer or an affirmation or the patience to wait – and, that I sometimes ignore.  I learned songs that I sang to my children and that I hum to myself – sometimes unbidden and mostly around the house.  I experienced the joy of practicing faith in action by helping and reaching out, a reward far exceeding the personal investment.  In spite of my efforts to the contrary, I developed the habit of daily Bible reading and prayer.

An ever-present companion in my life – one that has been filled with new places, new churches, unknown circumstances; even though Jesus was the forgotten friend during teenaged years; and especially when he was pushed aside – Jesus has been my companion every day:  mine for the accepting.  And, here goes faith in action, Jesus is available as a companion for everyone, even if you have just met him; have left him somewhere along the way; don’t think you’re interested.  He’s our companion for the accepting.

Go Bears! (Did I spell Bengals wrong?)

Sharron Lewis-Watts