Stuff I Learned from Terrell Owens

I hide this pretty well and don’t know if everyone is aware of this but- I’m a HUGE Dallas Cowboys fan. Matter of fact, I’m not sure there’s a word in the English language that is big enough to describe my level of fandom.
I have cried in happiness over Cowboys’ wins, made great friends because of a shared love for the Boys, and had several holidays ruined b/c of Cowboys’ losses (Leon Lett on Thanksgiving, anyone?).

Last week, I hear from my 13 year old son via text message while I’m at an early morning Bible Study (isn’t all of that impressive? I have a 13 year old, I actively text with him, and I was at an early morning Bible Study!!!) that the Cowboys have released Terrell Owens. I must admit that upon first reading that news and hearing details throughout the day, my initial response was of disappointment and frustration.

Why didn’t we win more with a guy like TO on the team? Why couldn’t we trade him for something- anything (there was a baseball player that was traded for some bats not that long ago, for crying out loud!)? What are we going to do for a #1 receiver now?

As I’ve had time to reflect and move on from last Wednesday, I can see a lot of benefits from TO’s release. Though I’m still a bit upset by it all, I see that there are overwhelming benefits from having him out of the locker room.
I’ve also thought about myself as I’ve reviewed the whole TO saga in a Cowboys’ uniform. I’ve thought about how such a talented football player has been nothing but trouble everywhere he went, and it lead me to some conclusions about my spiritual life. Believe me, its not a big leap for me from the Dallas Cowboys to spiritual things- so here’s what I learned- or was reminded of- from TO:
1) Don’t be a prima donna- Be mature, lead others in the way God has gifted me, be strong and vocal, but don’t believe my own press clippings. I am not all that, and my pride will make me fall.
2) Be a team player- don’t use people I serve with to make me better or to accomplish my self-serving goals. Seek the best benefits for everyone involved.
3) Be a true friend- life is hard enough by itself. Nobody needs me stirring up the bushes or conflicts.
4) Be content- the AC breaks, the roof has a leak, the kids ALWAYS need clothes; if I just had more money (TO’s bigger contract) I would be happy. BLAH- I want to be happy in the here and now, regardless of what I have or don’t have.
5) Have perspective- Life sometimes sucks, I’m not always who I want to be, my family isn’t perfect, I won’t reach every goal I have in life. But God’s plan is being perfected in me and I will strive for excellence with grace and mercy in all things.
6) Be excellent- talent, good looks, opportunity only go so far. Be my best all of the time so all of these things will coalesce into God’s best and to his glory.
7) Just play the game- talk is cheap, showboating is fun but empty. Do what I’ve said I can and will do. Have fun- it really isn’t about doing the work or earning a paycheck or showing up. I need to enjoy my wife, my kids, my life and my God.

It might all be a little simplistic, but that is what the Lord has shown me through TO and ESPN over the last week or so.