David Brooks writes today about not being able to shake being a Mets fan. I know whereof he speaks. My being a Cubs fan precedes my choice, just as Brooks’s team loyalty does his.
It was thrust upon me from my childhood. I, too, can recall individual at-bats from 30 and 35 years ago. I’ve tried to cultivate an appreciation for the local teams in the various cities in which we’ve lived (Dodgers, Reds, now the Tigers), but nothing will replace my life-long devotion.
I’d amend Brooks’s closing lines as follows: “I’ll enjoy following this team and exaggerating its promise. I have no choice but to love the Mets [Cubs]. Just as I have no choice but to hate the Phillies [Cardinals].”
Faith Improvised 
Cornel
Tim, I’m choosing this blog post because of my statement, or rather my question (which has nothing to do with the Cubs). In reading your book on Paul, I found it very well written and with many quotations to use in the future in my research papers, Though I’m not convinced of your exegesis of Philippians 3:9. So here’s my question: what about the thief on the cross? Dr. S. Lewis Johnson finds it to be the best illustration of the hymn::”Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling”. Especially as you talk about a cruciform lifestyle, in referring to the cross; though, me thinks, the cross has nothing to do with our faithfulness but Christ’s — Romans 5:18 and 19.
timgombis
Hey Cornel, I just shot you an email. I figured it’d be easier to chat that way.