burnt orange

The Bee Gees asked, "How can you mend a broken heart?"  Waking from the daze that was Saturday night's OSU vs. Texas matchup, I'm asking the same question.

The hype could not have been larger.  I watched as tailgaters arrived downtown on Wednesday afternoon.  I witnessed the build through Friday evening, a crescendo of excitement.  We talked about Texas strengths and Ohio weaknesses, about both the teams and the states.  We read team analyses, predictions, statistics, opinions of various natures with zeal, not wanting to miss a word.  While many colleges leave you with only four years, being a Longhorn is a life-long vocation.  Supporting the team and traditions, the wearing of orange, and the enthusiastic shouts of Texas Fight! makes one aware that winning the day is not an individual effort, but is rather a culmination of energy and enthusiasm and community.  It's this last that makes it so special.  It is the community of which we are a part that is the most enduring, transcendent thing.

And I suppose therein lies the answer.  My grandfather was a world-class checkers player, or at least this was my impression at ten.  I would approach each game confident that my abilities were up to the task at hand, always thinking that this was my moment to win the board.  Each time, the game would end in his favor.  I don't think I ever came close to winning.  After losing several games in a row, he lifted my sullen face and told me it was no shame to lose to a better player.  Those words didn't help me then, and I'm not sure they're ever a good salve.  However, there is a truth to it.  We lost Saturday to a better player, to a team that was dominant, to a team considered best.  We didn't play our best game, but there was tenacity and spirit and...community.  How can there be shame in that?

I experienced the whole thing with my best friends, people with whom I've been blessed to share previous victories and the narrative of life.  Paul gives this exhortation in Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."  Each one of us watched with a passion for our team, and we each hurt when the outcome was not favorable.  Yet, we will watch with equal fervor next time, expecting that improvements made and lessons learned will help us win the day.

Hook 'Em Horns!