Grace Notes: Sports taught me lesson in theology

By Lorraine V. Murray

For the AJC

As Super Bowl approaches, people will be packing in the chips and dip, chilling the brews -- and perhaps debating theology.

On that last point, unless you’ve been living in an underground cave for awhile, you probably know that Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos quarterback, caused quite a stir by regularly kneeling down and praying in front of a packed stadium.

Some people said the young man’s winning streak was the result of prayers. But other folks insisted God doesn’t care about sports -- and certainly doesn’t take sides.

I must confess I’m not a big football fan, but the whole Tebow thing intrigued me. It helped me realize that although I was hopeless at sports when I was a kid, perhaps my failed efforts weren’t totally in vain.

While other kids thundered ferociously across the field and pole-vaulted over a barrier, I lost my nerve and stopped dead in my tracks while the coach screamed at me.

While other kids maneuvered a nice forward roll in tumbling class, I’d crouch down, tuck my head under and then flop sideways while the kids exploded with laughter – and the coach screamed at me.

Did I pray before these ill-begotten attempts? You bet I did! And did God hear me? Well, as a Christian, I believe he hears every prayer, but he deals with them in his own mysterious way.

I disagree with folks who think God should deliver whatever they request. I don’t see him as a divine vending machine: Just put in your requests and out pop the goodies.

After all, this notion of God doesn’t sync up with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying the chalice of suffering would be taken away. As we know, the cup was handed to him -- and he accepted it.

But what about everyday matters like sports? Does God care about the Super Bowl? Well, he sees the sparrow fall, so why wouldn’t he watch the football flying across the field?

On Super Bowl Sunday, I’m guessing players on both sides will be praying silently to win — and I trust the Lord will be well aware of this.

As for me, I was so desperate to miss my turn at tumbling that I begged God with all my heart to strike me down with a heart attack, or send a lightning bolt to zap the coach – “Anything, Lord, just get me out of here!”

Fortunately, those terrible things didn’t happen -- and the only way I got out of dreaded gym class was by begging my mother to write me an excuse.

To this day, the sight of a tumbling mat makes me shiver with fear, and the sounds of the coaches screaming at me still ring in my ears.

Still, my failed athletic pursuits taught me an important lesson in theology: God hears all our prayers, but sometimes he says no.

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Lorraine's recent books include two fun-filled mysteries featuring Ignatius the hamster: "Death in the Choir" and "Death of a Liturgist." Her email address is lorrainevmurray@yahoo.com