No Laughing Matter

They said to Abraham "Where is your wife Sarah?" And he said, "There, in the tent." Then one said, "I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?" - Genesis 18:9-12

Well, it's been a surprising few weeks in my life. Why you ask? Well, it turns out that after twelve years of only cursory observation — I have become a Spurs fan. I realize this is likely due to many faithful unknown prayers that have been offered through my time, but they finally took. Back in May of 2014 when I was here to interview, the Spurs were doing well. I was asked to offer a prayer on their behalf at a key dinner, and sadly they lost. Luckily the search committee overcame their doubts and still extended a call.

I've never followed sports much. I grew up in a time where the lines of high school were firmly delineated between athletes and those who served in student government and sang in the choir. I had nothing against athletics, it just seemed to have nothing to do with me. Later in life, I discovered I really liked to exercise and be active, but it never translated to following sports. I have always tried to pay attention to big games so I could be pastorally present as needed, but it never quite got to the heart of my life and attention.

So why now? Well, let's face it, excitement is contagious. During the playoffs, I got hooked by this young energetic team that is out there playing their hearts out. Their energy and passion is inspiring, and I woke up one morning and realized I was a fan. As I drove home the other evening on Broadway I smiled at the all the bedecked fans, including one woman who was dressed from head to toe as an alien.

It turns out being a fan is not easy on the nerves — and my dog is quite confused by this new person who regularly yells and cheers at the TV well past normal bedtime. But I think beyond the energy and passion of this young team, the other thing I like about following the Spurs is how unifying it is in our city. So much of our current discourse is around division and separation. But the Spurs are all about unity and connection. With on-demand TV we no longer watch the same shows in real time, so to have a common experience is rare these days.

Since becoming a fan, I've had extensive conversations with complete strangers at the Trader Joe's about my favorite player (it's Stephon Castle). I had the longest conversation with some of our youth I've ever had since I could now use terms like "in the paint" and could name more than one player on the team. It's been a delightful distraction and a delightful surprise to discover. Had you predicted it, I would have denied it. Like Sarah, I might have even laughed. But if I've learned one thing about the Spurs in San Antonio — it's that it is NO laughing matter! Go, Spurs, Go! Peace, Beth +