What Just Happened??
A 2-0 Vanderbilt vs. 1-1 NC State probably didn't attract much attention during Week Three of the college football season, however, it had an ending for the ages! Rather than recite it all for you, I've included a link with a video so you can see it for yourself.
Our family was at an Auburn tailgate, having just waited out a storm of pouring rain and lightning. As the crew was attempting to dry off, and more folks emerged from the camper, several of us focused on the last few minutes of the game, watching as Vanderbilt squandered a chance to tie or win it on offense. After we gave the ball over, ESPN gave Vanderbilt a .1% chance of winning with :06 seconds left. Yet we still watched because it's sports and you never know what could happen. Well, Vanderbilt pulled off the unlikeliest of touchdowns and we all waited with baited breath to see if the play would hold through the replay review. Most of our group was yelling at the TV--no one really a Vandy fan other than my wife and me--my text thread with buddies was blowing up, and the images of the players, coaches and fans at Vanderbilt Stadium were served over the air. Finally, after several minutes, Vanderbilt was awarded the touchdown, subsequent PAT, and rode out the final play of the game. (The refs put :01 on the clock, so NC State had one final attempt from 75 yards away.)
Sub Note: One of the interesting dynamics of our relationship is that Caitlin roots for Vanderbilt like shes is an alum and often reacts with more emotion than I do for Vandy games. Likewise, I often celebrate/bemoan Alabama outcomes more than she does. We're in it together.
Sub Note II: Caitlin's brother, Creighton (aka Tommy Boy), is a huge sports nut and sent me a this corresponding gif right after the game, which I found hilarious at the time:
It was an incredible turn of events and resulted in a high for Vanderbilt fans. Yet, when I woke up this morning, I couldn't help but feel for the NC State quarterback and coach. I guarantee that loss felt worse for them than it felt good for us. And I've prayed for their team today because that type of defeat can be debilitating.
I've been on the losing end of some tough losses as well--both in sports and life--but the best antidote is to remind myself of the truth. God is sovereign over the big things and little things in life. It was His desire that Vanderbilt win that game, and while I'm grateful for the victory as a fan, I'm hopeful both Vandy and NC State fans/players/coaches can be mindful of that. I make mistakes that contribute to outcomes falling within God's sovereign plan. My responsibility in those circumstances is to learn from those situations. And I've also benefited from blessings I don't deserve. In those situations, my responsibility is to be grateful and give credit where credit is due.
The sovereignty of God can be difficult to navigate. Some take comfort in it, and some are frustrated by the very notion. What's your take? I'd be happy to discuss it with you.
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