The Super Bowl. Saints 31-Colts 17. One of the most televised events of the year. I missed it for the second year in a row. Honestly I couldn’t care less. I have never been in to spectating sports much. So it was a bit ironic when 3 huge NFL football players rolled up to the church/carepoint next where I am staying. One was Anthony Hargrove from the New Orleans Saints this year’s Super Bowl champions.
It had been only a week ago that he was in all his glory. Soaking in an accomplished life long dream at being the best in the world at football. Yet here he was standing in the Swazi heat all 6 foot 8, 280 whatever pounds. He is African American but the children here aren’t use to seeing a man of this size and coward a bit.
These NFLers were apart of an AIM vision trip to Swaziland. A trip to help those who are interested in being involved get an understanding of what is happening out in the field. Some come because they want to be missionaries and others just want to know how their resources can best be used.
I sat in on their culture briefing in the church. At the end everyone was asked to stand up and introduce their selves and say where they were from. Anthony had gotten up to speak but was out of turn so sat back down. Unfortunately his massive size caused the legs on the plastic chair to buckle sending him rolling on the dusty ground. I wasn’t sure how to respond but his two NFL brothers busted up laughing. Things were put into perspective for me in that moment.
Anthony was still human but with a heart for the Kingdom. Despite his fame and fortune part of him understood the need to go to the low places and make a difference on the eternity level. I believe people have a desire deep in their heart to be apart of a story that lasts forever and makes a difference. Not even a Superbowl championship can quench that desire.
