Adjusting To Change
PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND
December 4, 2024
ADJUSTING TO CHANGE
This year the powers that be decided it might be a good idea to do a reallocation of seats for the Purdue men’s and women’s basketball games. The move seemed to be motivated by the introduction of some new theater style seats and the extra revenue they can generate.
All of the new allocation was done on-line. Diane and I awaited our allotted time to make our choices. We were able to choose three seats on the lower level for the women’s games which were close to the ones we have had for several years. In fact we are now a couple of rows closer to the floor.
Our selection for the men’s game was a different matter. The section where we have sat for a number of years had been made a student section. When our time game to pick, it became apparent that we were going to have to sit at least six rows higher in the upper section. My insistence on aisle seats put us nine rows higher.
Sunday, November 6th, we had a chance to experience our new seats for the first time. The women played Edinboro University at 1:00 P.M. and the men played Southern Indiana at 5:00 P.M.
While watching the women’s game we reconnoitered where our men’s seats were located. Then after a trip to the MCL Cafeteria for a late lunch or an early dinner, we returned to Mackey for the 5:00 P.M. game.
Earlier in the day we had descended when we entered Mackey to find our women’s seats. Now we ascended. We climbed higher and higher and higher. Finally, we reached row 17. When we turned, the court looked tiny and the players were minute. Our earlier seats made the perspective seem even bleaker. Maybe, I should have forgone aisle seats to be six rows closer.
Our second men’s game was November 11th. It was a part of the weekend “Mackey Arena Celebration.” This trip the court did not seem so small and the players had grown in stature.
After five games Diane and I have settled into our new seats. We are beginning to know the people who have season tickets around us. I still give occasional glances at our old seats where we watched Purdue beat Ohio State last year. Even the climb does not seem quite so long.
We live in a world of constant change. The reallocation of seats for the men’s and women’s basketball games is emblematic of how up-setting the apple cart seems to be the norm. Just when you get used to the latest fad, it has passed into history to be replaced by something new and more wonderful.
In unsettled times, people turn to God to find a sense of stability. Unfortunately, the God we find in the Bible is a God of change. In the Book of Revelation God says, “See, I am making all things new.” (Rev. 21: 5) Jesus came to upset the status quo of his day. However, God does say that He will be with us as the world changes. It is this relationship which is constant.
I am not a person who likes change, being a creature who likes my familiar routine. I expect that another seat allocation might not be too far on the horizon. While I am not looking forward to the hassle, I have the assurance that God will see me through it. For a few years seats 39 and 40 in row 17 in section 118 will be Diane’s and my spot for men’s games.
(This article was originally published December 4, 2011. Comments may be sent to davidh15503@embarqmail.com.)