I’m going to admit it, I am invested! I have always been a huge football fan. I can get sucked into a game that is on in the background with two teams I don’t even know. I like to learn about the players and their history. I especially enjoyed watching the story of the Kelce brothers in the Superbowl (added plus that they both played for the University of Cincinnati). I have even listened to some of their podcasts. They seem like generally good guys who care about their families and want to learn and grow along with their fans.
So, when the rumors started bouncing around that Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were dating, I started rooting for love and this relationship. I wouldn’t consider myself a big “Swiftie”, but I have come to appreciate the goodness, talent, and generosity of Taylor Swift. I didn’t pay too much attention to her until she began her tour. I started to hear stories of her paying the crew $100,000/each in bonuses, the personal visits to fans, and the concert atmosphere of spreading love, and inclusion. I am now a big fan.
As a fan who clicked on too many photos of them on social media, I began to reflect on my investment in their lives. It seems silly for a person of my age (29+) to care about people I don’t even know. Especially people that seem to have it all. Didn’t I have better things to think about? That’s when it dawned on me that I was using this as a diversion from the troubling news surrounding us. War, terror, cruelty, natural disasters, poverty, hate and discord. I needed to root for love and for goodness to win.
What is your diversion? Or maybe you need one? TV shows, social media, music, books, movies, sports, relationships, devotions, food, nature? Is it a healthy diversion? One that brings you joy and a quick break from reality? Or one that keeps you from dwelling in God’s love and trusting that he is in control even in the chaos that seems to be happening in the world today? Can it be both?
God meets us with unending love, grace, and peace wherever we are both emotionally and physically. It is not contingent on being in worship or outward signs of love and devotion. However, wouldn’t it be amazing if we could support each other with the power of a full church of Jesus fans? I certainly felt that bursting, joyful spirit of hope and promise at the Dedication last week. Worship as our weekly diversion that centers our hearts for the week ahead sounds good. We can dwell in the knowledge that He came to be the light to this messed-up world and to show radical love. He will shoulder our burdens and the Holy Spirit will lead our lives. He is our biggest influencer and love wins. I am invested. Are you?
In God’s love,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation