Babel and UnBabel

The story of the tower of Babel is somewhat of a mystery to me. It doesn't make sense to me in so many ways. And Roger and I were talking recently how it just doesn't get credit as an amazing miracle. Really, how did God do that. One minute they were talking and the next they couldn't understand each other. What were they trying to do? They were trying to build a tower that would reach God.

Do you ever do that? Do you ever get caught up in doing this amazing thing for the glory of God that you think you are getting there? You know, to God?

Now compare that to the 2nd Chapter of Acts when the Holy Spirit came down among Christ's followers. They all spoke one language until suddenly the unBabel! They are speaking in a myriad of languages. Did they know they were speaking in something different; did it sound different before it hit their lips or just after?

God reached down to us with the unBabel. He said, you don't need to build a tower to me; I'll come down and speak to you.

The Home Team

Eventually everyone, even NickyB the die-hard Raiders fan, finds a reason to like the Broncos!

Today is NFL day at my kids' school. They are trying to generate school spirit and also get a grant/win a contest through the NFL. I saw tons of kids wearing NFL gear this morning as I was walking the kids into school.

I saw a bunch of Broncos stuff! And no question, I smiled on the teachers and kids representing the home team...OUR TEAM! The Denver Broncos! But its funny that I don't see how anyone could wear any other jersey. When I was a kid growing up in Arvada, I rarely saw another team's jersey on a classmate. Was I just oblivious? I don't think so. I think in general we were all BRONCOS fans. All but my lousy, mean gym teacher, a Raiders fan, who at least taught me proper hatred for the Oakland/LA/Oakland again Raiders.


I was really surprised by how many different jerseys I saw at school this morning. I mean I saw a major variety. It's true....I felt a little sick to my stomach to see one teacher in a KC Chiefs shirt and a kid in a Chargers jersey. I mean, barf! And thankfully, I didn't see a single Raiders shirt!


There are some things that are so ingrained that it is hard to understand anyone feeling differently. Some are a lot more important than football, but for me, football is still a big deal. I can't imagine people not liking the Broncos...and if not giving up their former allegiances, at least taking on the Broncos as their 2nd team. If you live in Colorado, rooting for the Broncos is required!

On the other hand, it doesn't matter where I live in the world, I will always be a Broncos fan. In the midst of a sea of Raiders jerseys, I'd still be in my Orange and Blue. I'd be scared to death of getting beat up, spit on, and generally tortured, but I bleed Orange. So, why am I surprised by other fans' loyalty to their team? Basically just because the Broncos are the best...why would anyone like anyone else? ;)

Who's being selfish?

Selfish. There are times that I get frustrated with people and think they are being unfair to me. I'm not being treated like the other people in the group, and I feel like I need to assert my rights. I need to speak up and tell them how unfairly they are treating me and how selfish they are.

And the funny thing is, that over time I've realized that it is in these moments that I am the one being selfish. I'm expecting things that have never been promised. I'm seeing how others are treated and wondering why am I not getting that treatment; I'm missing that I get certain advantages or other treatment that is unique to my situation. I am the one wanting this person's life to be all about me. Guess who is selfish now.