Walking through Penneys on Saturday, Theresa commented on a display of Laker's gear, and how less than one week ago it was filled with Charger paraphernalia-that is until the Jets beat them. Then, true to form for a San Diego based team, their fans deserted them. Where last week the talk shows were talking of a Super Bowl victory, just the next day they were talking of rebuilding the same team and doing what it takes to be a winner. One week heroes, the next zeroes.
Green Bay, Wisconsin-two time zones and many fan cultures away is a much different scene. A town immersed in a strong football tradition, year round they support their team-win or lose. At Lambeau Field, statues of Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi greet you, as you pass by on Lombardi Avenue. The same Vince Lombardi who said "winning isn't the only thing, it's everything." From the stadium you can see the Don Hutson Building, and streets named after Bart Starr, Brett Favre, and bearing the names of Hornung, Taylor, Nitschke-other Packer greats. How many other cities have streets named after lineman like Forrest Gregg? or the premier pulling guard, Jerry Kramer? And it extends far into the neighborhoods, as this town refers to itself as Titletown USA, and its fans reflect it. The day I was there, the parking lot was closed off, so being on the Tiger I jumped the curb, and rode up the steps, parking in front of a main entrance. Blasphemy, but hey-I live in San Diego. And after finding an open door, was amazed at what I found inside. Whereas most stadiums are concrete and block, this had shiny floors and the appearance of an upscale mall-with posters, monuments, and displays referencing their heroes. Almost like being in a museum, except this was to display football at its greatest, Packer football. And football heroes-who had the good fortune of playing for the Pack. And their fans showed their appreciation, both on and off the streets.
Still farther west, 150 miles from St. Paul, sits the town of Appleton, Minnesota. Also a town of heroes, but lesser known than the ones in Green Bay. In 1946, when the town needed its streets reorganized, the mayor, Robert P. Miller, proposed naming the streets after Appleton war fatalities. It took a year to put the plan into effect, but they hung the new street signs on Memorial Day, 1947. Names like Thielke, Miles, Schleiman, Sorenson, Lhotka, and Behl adorn the streets even today. With some war heroes from Korea and Viet Nam added. 34 streets has Appleton, and each one named for a war fatality-the only town in the USA to honor their vets this way. So no matter what street you drive on, live on, or walk on-you are honoring a veteran who gave his life so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today. Streets named after heroes-American heroes. And to Appleton, a hearty thanks-a great example to all of true American heroes-whose field was of battle, and who gave all so that we may enjoy our freedom.
All roads lead somewhere, and it is important to know where the road you are on is going. Not all roads lead to heaven, let me point you to Jesusisthe Way. A straight and narrow road, when compared to other roads in the area-that at first appears boring and lifeless. Why would any biker, except for a Gold Winger choose straight instead of some wonderful curves-but it is where the road goes that is important. Jesusisthe Way may appear smooth, but like life it has many bumps and road hazards-usually when least expected. Yes, the runoffs are wide, and entrance back on is easy-just repent, ie. change your course, and it only goes one way. And like any road, there are temptations to want to get off-even if just for a short while, but they always end in disaster. All the while, you are being guided by God and the Holy Spirit, letting you know when the obstacles to your trip occur, where, and how to avoid them. It takes communication with your life's pilot-not co-pilot, to make it to the end-heaven. And when any questions arise, or rough road sets in-the advice is look to the cross-for that is where your destination and trip planning will be found. For that light at the end of the road, comes from heaven, and reflects the cross-the ticket to heaven, and one that must be purchased through Jesus Christ. You see, He is a hero also, and not only died to give us freedom, but rose again, promising eternal life to those who follow Him. And all you have to do is stay on the road with Him-and the road is named after what He told His disciples-for Jesus truly is the way! So if you find yourself on any other road in life than Jesusisthe Way, He allows you to change course to Him immediately. And the fact that it only goes one way-to heaven, allows us to look to what lies ahead, instead of what lies behind. A road open to all, I advise taking it, while you still can.
Today choose to honor the ultimate hero, Jesus Christ, by following Him. A warrior who never lost, yet gave His life voluntarily so that we may live. Now, that's a hero. and did what no other hero, football or soldier ever did, defeated death. If that isn't enough for you, add a peace that surpasses understanding, and joy unspeakable. Not even a Packer victory can promise that!
Jesusisthe Way! A street like no other, named after one like no other. See you on the road.
love with compassion,
Mike
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