5 Things I Think I Think

Borrowing from the column title of one of my favorite sportswriters, Peter King, I thought I might jot down, 5 Things I Think I Think.

1. The Major League Baseball Playoffs are some of the most dramatic theatre known to man. Here in Houston, you cannot escape the buzz of the Astros verses Atlanta Braves playoff series. The series is tied 1-1, with the games coming to Houston this weekend. I want the Astros to do well, but come on, I'm a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan. I knew the Braves starting lineup before I could walk. At present, a Chipper Jones bobble-head doll adorns one of my office bookshelves. At any rate, every pitch in the post-season carries sumo-like weight, which is what makes the playoffs so much fun. I think I'll be happy either way the Houston-Atlanta series ends: Go Braves!

2. People Don't Read Enough. It's not that people are illiterate or don't enjoy reading. People read, but few stay in the message of a book until it has a chance to affect them. In Christian literature everyone is so concerned with reading the next hot book that in a year's time most have forgotten the core message of the first book they read. Here's something to try out: The next book you read that affects your spiritual walk, live in it for a while, ruminate on it, and then read it again. Lessen your quantity, increase your quality.

3. Coke is Better Than Pepsi. Pepsi is nasty. Enough said!

4. 'The Princess Bride' is One of the Best Movies Ever! I saw it as a junior high student and have loved it ever since. No movie--other than 'Tombstone'--provides so many recognizable one liners ("Never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the line.")

5. Election Years Bring Out the Best in America and the Worst in People. We have a tremendous right in this country--we can select our governmental leaders. America is a beacon for freedom. Elections serve to remind us of all the blessings of freedom and makes us mindful of all peoples who suffer under dictators and/or unjust system. Somehow, however, elections bring out the worst in people. Friends fight over this candidate or that issue. What's more, it gets ugly! Lines are drawn, factions gathered, enemies identified and opposition demonized. I just think that there must be a way for our disagreements--serious as they are, I'm not naive--could be dealt with in a more straightforward, intellectually honest, civil way. I just want to remind all of us who hold claim to the cross of Jesus: Civil participation is wonderful and needed, but let's be mindful of the apostle Peter's urging that we live as "aliens and exiles" in this world. Our citizenship is elsewhere.