The Ballgame of Life

In my mind’s eye, I can see it clear,
But it’s hard to describe it in words.
Life is much like a rough football game..
It has its ups and downs, to be sure!
 
The scene I see is you with the ball,
Trying your best to go on and score;
But they’re doing their best...to make the arrest
And to prevent you from adding any more.
 
One from the left, and one from behind
Their goal is to bring you down.
All of a sudden, they trip you up..
A thud! You’re face-down on the ground!
 
They pile on you, one after another
Their weight nearly too much to bear;
Then you see someone holding a banner up high,
It says “Congratulations!”...What’s He doing there??
 
You’re nearly squashed, but HE’s rooting you on,
Did you miss something along the way?
Can’t HE see you’re in trouble, can’t go on any more,
That there’ll be no more scoring today?
 
It seems hopeless, the opponent’s way ahead,
You wonder if you’ll ever regain the lead!
But there HE is again, holding that banner high
Saying, “Have FAITH Son, that’s what you need!”
 
The game goes on, you continue to score...
Things are beginning to look a bit brighter.
Why does HE care, if I win or lose,
Why does HE want me to be such a fighter?
 
Now we’re gaining...No! Now we’re ahead!
And I see more clearly the message HE sent;
I was looking at things from UNDER that pile...
While HE knew how the ball game would END!
 
    
                                  Keep the faith, Joe!
                                  I love you,
                                              Dad      12/20/96

...