Grateful for Victory, Celebrating Life 10/28/12

         For those of you who don't live in the United States, please bear with me.  I know my enthusiasm for baseball may not resonate with you.  However, if you look at the bigger picture, the lesson this team offers, perhaps you can relate with that. More about that in a second.

         My team, the San Francisco Giants, won the Major League Baseball championship, the World Series!  Am I happy.  I've spent the past few days entranced by their inexorable march towards triumph.

Against All Odds......

         What drama....having won 94 games in the regular season and winning the Western Division, the playoffs began.  Here, their backs were to the wall, twice. Once, they were behind two games to nothing, in a best of five contest against divisional opponents, the Cincinnati Reds. The team from San Francisco was one game away from elimination.  The Giants won the remaining three games.

         A second time, they survived after losing three games to one, in the seven game series with their National League championship opponents---the St. Louis Cardinals, once again, one more loss and their season was over. They won the next three games in a row.  The Cardinals never lost thrice at home, all season----in 162 games, until they played this Californian team.

        Historically, in twenty-one attempts, no previous team in similar circumstances overcame such odds.  Much can be said about the Giants' steadfastness, in the face of what should have been overwhelming adversity.  They thus batted and battled their way into the interleague contest, known as the World Series.

       Listen to what the Giants right fielder, Hunter Pence had to say:

"For one, we didn't allow doubt to ever creep in.  You know, the thing that made this team so special is just playing as a team, caring for each other.  We had our backs against the wall and we knew it wasn't going to be easy.  It's not supposed to be."

        Upon reaching the World Series, through excellent, inspired pitching and defense, timely hitting and brilliant managing, they seized control. The Giants decimated the American League Detroit Tigers, a team considered superior by the East Coast pundits.  The San Francisco team swept the series, winning four games in a row.  Wow!

         Now, they are national champions, the second time in three years.  This was accomplished after not having won the title in the fifty-six years, until 2010.

An Example of Ego-Free Camaraderie
   
        What is remarkable is the exuberant joy, love, and esprit de corps that this wonderful, talented, humble, generous group of men (many of them of strong faith) share with each other.  I have been unabashed follower of this team since I was ten, many years ago.  Having played organized baseball since that age, doing so---over many years---I have a strong affinity for the sport and this team that represents where I live.

        I marvelled as the Giants won the World Series. This happenstance meets my need for celebrating what mankind can do when working cooperatively with others. This is certainly what happened with this team. It was all about each player doing his best for his teammate---the fellow next to him.

        Again, another word from Hunter Pence:

"That was one of our mottos, and we went out there to enjoy every minute of it and it was hard earned. Just an incredible, incredible group of guys that fought for each other."

       Their focus was not their own individual statistics, or ego.  Tim Lincecum, was a prime example. This twice-awarded Cy Young winner, given to a season's best pitcher, was reduced to relief pitching, as in mop up duty.

        He didn't complain or mope. Instead, Tim threw excellently, with enthusiasm.  All he cared about was helping his team win. Atta boy, Timmy!  Thank you for your example, reflecting the value of humility.

My Gratitudes for Sunday

1. Witnessing true affection and teamwork among a professional sports team, the Giants. They also demonstrated a fantastic attribute: faith. Without it, we don't accomplish much. With it, we can transcend even seemingly unconquerable odds.
2. Tonight, I enjoyed the hospitality from a loving family. They had me over for dinner and we soaked up the game on their big screen. Nice. I was also offered ice cream, that made it even better.
3.  I'm attending the parade that will take place this Wednesday. I can't wait. Let the good times roll.

4. I took a nap in the afternoon, before the game. I appreciated the rest.

5. I'm taking steps to improve my welfare, tomorrow. I'll meet with others who will advise me as to options available that will provide me with more security. This will increase my sense of ease.

6. I'm thankful for friends. They have improved as I have improved----as I've grown in my discernment.  We will never find fulfillment or healing by living in isolation.
7. I look forward to riding my bike tomorrow, going out of town in the morning, and then returning in
the afternoon, to see clients.
8. My business is thriving---more and more clients are wanting my services. I love what I do.  I'm glad I'm able to serve others. I enjoy having my own business. I thank God for the abundance He provides.
How About You? 
I asked over the weekend what was your high and low points for the past week. I shared mine. You can read them here. What are yours? Your answers would meet my need for community and reciprocity. I look forward to hearing them!