Super Bowl 55 takes place this weekend. This electrifying event transpires just 25 miles away from my front door. I say electrifying for two reasons…I’ve been there before and know the feeling of being a fan engulfed in the experience, and my home team is playing, once again, in the Super Bowl but this time on our home field!
Tim and I had the opportunity to attend the first Super Bowl the 
Tampa Bay Bucs appeared in, and WON! (Click here for a brief memory.). We actually won this opportunity in a drawing. Our flights, car rental, hotel, and game tickets were all paid for. We were even giving a little extra cash to spend. At that time in our lives, we had had three children ages 6, 4, and 2. Tim had only been with Edward Jones for just shy of seven years. I was on a leave from teaching. Money was a bit tight. So this trip was quite the surprise, a needed getaway, and greatly appreciated.
I’ll never forget when our friend, who spent a LOT of money to be there, called us and told us to meet him at the NFL Experience. We asked how much money it was. Kenny exclaimed, “Come on! I’ve spent thousands of dollars to be here! You won it! You can afford to spend a little on this NFL Experience!” I still laugh at Kenny’s words in his disbelief yet encouraging tone. We lucked out again and found tickets for under $25 each. We had a blast!
The pre-events that took place, the crowds dressed representing their team, the excitement in the air…it was everywhere, exhilarating, and unforgettable!
This year’s Super Bowl takes on another kind of enthusiasm. Although we will be watching from the comfort of home with friends and family instead of the stands, just twenty-five miles down the road the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be playing in Tampa. This is the first time in history that a home team has actually played in the Super Bowl on their home field. Go Bucs! 
In stores and on roadsides, game paraphernalia is being sold. Balloons are waving in the air in the supermarket. Team colors are being represented in photos on social media. Once again, excitement is in the air.
When I began reading my scripture this morning, The Message translation appeared. It says,
Good people, cheer God! Right-living people sound best when praising. Psalm 33:1 MSG
The words cheer God reminded me of a question/thought I often have…Wouldn’t it be awesome if people got as electrified for Jesus as they do about sports or other passions?
Go JC!
Go God!
There may not be a team color or a specific logo, but you can wear your zeal for heaven, Jesus, God, etc. by the way you live your life.
We have no clue who will win between the Kansas City Chief or the Tampa Bay Bucs. Will it be the winner of Super Bowl 54, Chiefs, or will the home team lock up the trophy? One thing we do know…when we are cheering for God, and we are on His team, HE WINS! We know how the story ends. So, that should fuel us with hope, peace, love, and much excitement for team God.
The actual verses for today come from Psalm 33:4-5.
The Lord’s word is true, and he is faithful in everything he does. He loves goodness and justice. The Lord’s faithful love fills the earth. Psalm 33:4-5 ERV
When I read how His word is true, He is faithful in EVERYTHING He does, He loves goodness and justice, and His faithful love fills the earth I can’t help but get a little pumped up. Knowing that my “Coach”, “QB”, “star player”, whatever position you want to imagine He is on the team, is all that…Go God!
Are you on the winning team? I am.
In the meantime…let’s go Bucs! Fire up the cannons!
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
#tampabaybucs #goGod #Super Bowl #soakinguptheson #thewinningteam
