Baseball World Series 2019

Houston Astros vs. Washington Nationals

Some World Series observations:

* Never give up.

* Being the home team doesn’t guarantee an advantage or win.

* There is a time to rejoice with those who rejoice and a time to weep with those who weep.

* Sportsmanship matters – as a team and fans

* Encouraging and cheering for your team is good.

* Whether it’s October 31st or not, booing should not be a part of the game.

* A game is not won or lost by one player.

* Other Houston sports players rallying around the Astros

* A team that has become a family

* A coach who asked fans not to disrupt the reputation the Astros have spent the season building by being rude and disrespectful to visiting fans

* Choosing to give up time, money, and sleep for games

* Fans that remain loyal whether their team wins or loses

* Not letting 4 games define a noteworthy season

* Second guessing doesn’t change the outcome.

* It’s good to have others walking alongside you to share the journey

* Players that have earned our respect

* Another chance at a successful season, is just a few months away

Craig Fifer, from Alexandria, Virginia, reminds us that our words and actions are noticed, whether we realize it or not.  “I had the incredible privilege to attend Game 7 of the World Series on Wednesday.  As a 15-year Washington Nationals season-ticket holder, I made a last-minute decision to jump on a plane from Virginia, don my Nats hat and sweatshirt and wade into what I assumed would be hostile territory.  I was shocked to find a level of hospitality and sportsmanship I have never experienced before.

For hours, Astros fans kept shaking my hand, patting me on the shoulder, and greeting me with a sincere ‘Welcome to Texas.’  There was zero trash talk during the game.  After the Nationals won, every Astros fan said congratulations.  When I told one fan how remarkable I found all this, he shrugged and said, ‘That’s just the Texas style.’

To the Astros, congratulations on an outstanding season.  To all Astros fans, thank you for demonstrating that civility transcends competition.  It was an honor to be a guest in Houston.”
 

In our world of unknowns, disappointments, and joys in everyday life, it is a blessing to know and remember that we can put our faith and trust in Jesus who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

There is a time for everything,

     and a season for every activity under the heavens:

        a time to weep and a time to laugh,

     a time to a time to mourn and a time to dance,

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8