The Atmosphere

At the weekly PSU press conference Joe Paterno was asked: What do you remember about last year’s night game with Ohio State and how did that atmosphere of the crowd contribute to the specialness of that night?

Joe Pa responded: "I think the whole environment last year, and I would hope we would have the same kind of environment this Saturday night against Michigan, is one of excitement, fun and the things that are really great to be part of. To be frank with you, I felt the same way when we went out to Ohio State this year. That was a great crowd. They were in it, all dressed in red and you felt like you were part of something exciting. People keep asking me, “Why do you still coach?” Those are the kind of days that you back away and say, “Boy, am I going to miss those when I am home cutting grass.” It is just a whole different environment. I think this Saturday night should be a very exciting, special night. The crowd won’t win the game for us. I will give you a clue. We have to win the game. It isn’t going to come down to the crowd. The Michigan kids are not going to be intimidated by any crowd. They are going to play because they are a good, solid football team. The crowd will help, they will have a lot of fun and it will be great to see all of the white. It makes you feel like it is one of those events in your life that very few people take part in, but it isn’t going to win the game."

Reading Coach Paterno's answer reminded me of another writer's excitement. Hebrews, chapter 12 begins, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us . . . "

And the chapter ends with, "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe . . . "

This life is a journey filled with excitement, challenge, trials, and ultimately victory, if our faith in Jesus Christ is unwavering. Coach Paterno, at age 79, is still passionately in love with the sport. He has faced some hard knocks, but his zeal is still evident. How about you? I love life, in spite of the curve balls and sliders. I love the ministry in spite of interceptions, fumbles, and penalties. It's those TD's, the great plays, the roar of the crowd, the cloud of witnesses that keep the enthusiasm alive within me. Life in Christ is just a totally different environment.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Heb 12:2-3 NIV)