No Lessons Here

So, it's the Gators again, this time by 84-75 over Ohio State. CHOMP.

Can our world learn anything from this? Probably not.

Sure, the winners won last year then all five starters decided to NOT go pro but come back and try again. Any lessons there about putting glory before bucks?

Sure, the Florida coach (Billy Donovan) refused to entertain offers from other schools (so far, at least). Any lessons there about loyalty?

Sure, the Gators used several guys team to slow down THE Ohio State University's OUTSTANDING big guy, Greg Oden. Any lessons there about teamwork?

Sure, Donovan and tourny MVP Corey Brewer were truly gracious after the game, in their comments both about Florida and OSU. Any lessons there about sportsmanship?

Next year most of these guys will be gone, to the pros or to the same workaday world most of us face. Some will have fortune and fame, others only memories. Greg Oden will remember he played a great game, but 25 points and 12 rebounds couldn't quite get it done this time. Any lessons there about the value of doing your best? Naw. Couldn't be.

As a Christian I try to remember what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. I don't know if any of these guys - Florida or Ohio State - are men who trust in Christ, but it seemed they were working their hardest last night, giving it their all, striving for something beyond. As always in sport, some experienced the thrill of victory, others, the agony of defeat. But both teams were great, and I never mind watching people performing with all their hearts. It's a God-pleasing thing, and it rings of immortality.

Those about to dunk, we salute you!

Last Year, This Year

OK, March Madness ends tonight. Missus Smalltown Christian is heaving a sigh of relief. Thanks, honey, for being so understanding of this particular peculiar addiction of mine.

Last year, the NCAA Championship Game featured the UCLA Bruins and the Florida Gators. I spent a lot of time figuring out who was going to win a very close game, but when it was actually played the Gators had very little trouble handling the Bruins. So much for research.

This year it's again the Gators, but their opponent will be the Buckeyes of THE Ohio State University (and how much self-affirmation do you need when you name yourself THE all in caps? I mean, be real OSU, if ANYONE else was into you as much as YOU are into you, then WE would have thought to capitalize the "the". But I digress...)

Anyway, after much less deliberation than last year, I'm picking the Gators to beat the Buckeyes tonight, just because I've seen nothing to make me think any team is better than Florida. That said, you can begin to berate me for my lack of basketball genius.

Oh, and GO WILDCATS!