I am still having a hard time getting over the fact that America has had more than half a year virtually without live sports. Covid-19 has put everything on hold. Not that I ever attended a lot of games in person. The last college football game I attended was in 2017. I did go to a couple of Braves games last year. For the past few years I have only followed a few teams on television: FSU football (no comment) and basketball, the Atlanta Braves, and the Atlanta Falcons. I rarely watched any other games (don’t tell my friends in Tallahassee, but I did enjoy watching the ACC’s Clemson win two national championships). With no Braves baseball this summer, I have even started watching NASCAR with empty stands.
Anyway, we are now approaching the Fall of 2020. After suspending all games this year up to now, MLB baseball is going to try and play a short season starting this month. Some of the better players have already tested positive for Covid-19 (eg.: the Braves’ Freddie Freeman), and others are opting out (eg.: Nick Markakis; Buster Posey). College and Pro football are still up in the air. They still intend to play, but with the Covid-19 epidemic making something of a comeback, I wonder if they really can. How will they practice social distancing? Isn’t football a contact sport? Will they outlaw pileups? Will they play in empty stadiums?
But, and more important, what about churches? The church where Barbara and I are members have not had in-person worship services or Bible studies in more than three months. It has all been live streaming or on Zoom. I think they are going to try and start up again in a few weeks. Unfortunately, I don’t think I will be able to attend, though, because I am in a high risk category.
In any case, let’s continue to pray that this epidemic will soon subside. Meanwhile, with or without sports, let’s use the extra time to draw closer to our families and to God. Remember, He can turn a bad thing into the good. As Paul reminds us, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)