On the Radio

Today I went home for lunch at noon and went through my typical routine. I checked the mail, let the dog inside and turned on Wheels at Work (Sports Radio) and began making myself my lunch.

The topic on the radio today was Greg Oden, and his most recent injury to his knee. (If you are not familiar with the scenario, he has spent substantial time sidelined due to injuries.) I listened as callers called in and said things like, "I am tired of excuses, he is our 1st round pick and he isn't cutting it" and asking "Does he even really want to play?". I got so frustrated that I grabbed my phone and called Wheels myself. After 15 minutes on hold, I was finally on the air... "Neal in Canby, what's up?" he said. Now very nervous, I began to explain how it is a sad thing when people don't care about Oden as an actual person, but only care about the Blazers winning. I suggested that more positive reinforcement would make his return faster, better, and more productive.

After I got off the phone, I listened to Wheeler and his partner talk about it, and for the most part they agreed with me. The next caller however did not at all. His attitude was, "we pay him millions to play, so get on the court!"

After processing this event, I realized something different about me than others. For some, Greg is just a means to a selfish end. An NBA championship for Portland. Who cares if we hurt him or discard him or use him, as long as it works. I realized that because of Christ in my life, I have grown to look at the person, their feelings, their well-being. Sure I would love for the Blazers to win, but in the grand scheme of life, what happens to people along the way is what really matters.

Truth is, I probably don't make a very good sports fan. I probably had no business calling in to a die hard sports radio show when I am a 'once-in-a-while' listener. But what happened today reinforced what I believe, and what is most valuable. People.

Matthew 12:30-31
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.


PS: Go BLAZERS!!!!!!!!