Tebow

The title of this post alone might make some cringe or think, "Oh, here we go again."  I assure you this will not be the typical Tebow banter we've grown accustomed to over the past several months.

Whether you like him or not, the name 'Tebow' has entered our households and our vocabulary since his debut in the NFL with the Denver Broncos.  Not necessarily for his raw talent and ability at the quarterback position, but more so for his faith.  It happened one fateful afternoon when Tim Tebow took a knee to celebrate and to thank God for his success in the game.  "Tebowing" was born.  In fact, students have gotten suspended because of it.  It's become a national sensation.  Even the sports guys on CBS are doing it.

I don't know Tebow's true intentions.  Based upon his character and the way he's carried himself through this media blitz, I have to believe Tim Tebow is a sincere Christian who took a knee to thank God and the media has blown it way out of control (I know it's hard to believe the media can do something like that).

Again, Tim Tebow is not that great of a quarterback (yet).  His arm is certainly not the subject of all the attention.  It's his bravery to share his faith.  Is there a place in pro sports for an outspoken faith?  Maybe.  The mostly, if not all, secular media eats this stuff for lunch.  They find a guy like Tim Tebow who says he's a Christian, a guy who gives God all the glory due to his success, and the media crucifies him.

I think Tim Tebow is a great role model for young athletes, or for anyone really.  What he's doing takes guts.  As I mentioned earlier, I don't know his intentions.  Is he doing it for the attention?  Is he really an honest, humble man of God?  I don't know.  But what I do know is (from what we see on TV) Tim Tebow is a great guy.

Some might say all this Tim Tebow talk puts a bad light on Christianity.  Pray to God about anything and you'll get it, is what we hear on TV.  Be an outspoken Christian who plays sports and you'll lead your team right to the Superbowl (read "The Big Game", for legal reasons).  Was there an Angels in the Outfield thing going on in Sunday's game against Pittsburgh?  Maybe.  Did God have a hand in the game-winning play in overtime?  Maybe.  Do I believe in coincidences?  Sometimes.  Yes, it was absolutely crazy Tim Tebow threw for 316 yards Sunday night (John 3:16).  It was even crazier his average yards per throw was 31.6.  Coincidence or God saying he's a Broncos fan?

I'm a Christian myself and I don't know what to make of all this.  I was raised to give God the glory, especially when things were going well.  I get where Tim Tebow is coming from.  I get he's on a national stage and he has the opportunity to spread the fact he has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  I get it.  Part of me applauds him for his convictions.  Part of me thinks there are other strong, passionate Christian athletes who we don't hear about, and that's maybe the way it should be.  I don't know.  I wish I had the answer.

Maybe it's because we haven't seen a professional athlete like this before.  I can't remember, in my lifetime, an athlete who has been this open with their faith.  I'm having an even harder time thinking of an athlete who was open with their faith who received this much attention from the media.  The only one I can think of is Kurt Warner.  However, I don't ever remember the attention Tebow is getting.

Someday it will die down.  Who knows?  Maybe Tim Tebow will show other Christian athletes it's ok to be open with their faith.  I think that would be awesome.

I'm not really sure how to wrap this all up, but I do know one thing.  If I were in Denver, I would be the biggest Tebow fan there is.  Heck, I'm a fan now.  What a great example he is and I hope he continues to be.

What are your thoughts on all of this Tebow stuff?

Christmas

Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year.

I love it actually.  I love the feeling of warmth and coziness our house has when the tree is all lit up, the windows are adorned with lights, and other decorations fill the house.  It's almost spa-like.  If we had built-in surround sound (cough cough, Anna) I could pump Christmas music through the house all day.  Which is another thing I love about Christmas.  I love Christmas music.  I know some people can't stand it, or they get sick of it after Dec. 4, but I love it.  I actually have been trying to find every genre of Christmas music I can find on Spotify (which has also become one of my favorites).  I've been listening to classic Christmas music, jazzy, more contemporary (thank you Michael Buble), and much more.  I'm open to any and all suggestions as well.

Outside of the decorations and the music, what I really love about Christmas is spending time with friends and family.  Again, I know of several people who hate all the extra parties and business of the season, but I love it.  I really enjoy getting to spend a little bit of time with people I perhaps will only see that once in a year.  It's also really fun to exchange gifts.  I'm a big fan of the anticipation of "what am I getting this year?"  I'm an even bigger fan of seeing people with that anticipation of something I (or Anna and I) have gotten them.

The Christmas season also has inspired many-a great Christmas movie.  On the top of my list is A Christmas Story.  The greatest Christmas movie out there.  I also really enjoy Elf and A Christmas Vacation.  I'm laughing just thinking about all the great one-liners and scenes from those movies.  Hilarious.  "I hope you find your dad."  "Thanks Mr. Narwal."  Classic.

There is also one other perk I really like about Christmas.  I have been incredibly blessed to be married into a family who takes a trip somewhere warm every Christmas break.  We get to spend a week of time with my mother-in-law's whole side of the family (getting up to 50 people now) somewhere tropical.  It's awesome.  A week of relaxing, reading, doing fun activities, and once again, spending time with those I only get to see once, maybe twice, a year.

Take away the trip, the gifts, and the lights, I would still love Christmas because I get to spend time with those I love.  But please don't take away those things...I really like those too.

So for all of you out there, crank up the Christmas tunes, turn on the lights, or throw in a Christmas movie, and allow yourself to be swept up in the magic of Christmas.  Spend some extra time with those you don't get to see very often.  Give a gift to someone you love and/or appreciate.

From Anna and I, have a very Merry Christmas season (or Hannukuh, or Festivus) and a Happy New Year!


p.s  I hate the Christmas crowds and extra traffic more than occupiers hate rich people.