It's Their Year!!

I’m pretty sure that you have seen these images and many more this past few weeks!

After waiting 71 years, the Cubs have made it to the World Series!!

They played game 6 of the World Series last night, which they won 9 - 3, and will be playing game 7 tonight!

I previously shared that my husband and sons are huge Cubs fans, so they are excitedly…anxiously watching the games!

And sometimes not watching….not wanting to jinx it!!

Though we haven’t been able to sit and watch a game together…we have shared some of the games via a text thread!

And a couple of weeks ago, Zach sent pictures and a video of Graham and him while attending a Cubs game, so I almost felt like I was there with them!

People have been waiting a long time to see the Cubs make it to the World Series!

Many of us heard the following comments…and more!

I wish my dad could have seen this!

I wish my grandpa were here to watch the games with me!

It appears that almost everyone has someone that they wish were here to view this moment in time!

There is so much hype that I feel a little anxious for the players…the coaches…and the fans! 

They have waited a long time, and I would love nothing more than to see them clinch the World Series!

I have hoped for several years that my husband and sons would get to experience this!

In the past, I just let them share about the games…leading up to time where it looked like they had a chance….or the years that they didn’t even come close!

But this year…it’s different!

I’m watching the games!

I am more involved!

The individuals on the Cubs team have become more than just a player on the team…I have gotten to know them!

No, I have yet to meet a single player!

But my oldest son, Zach, has sent me several stories about different Cubs players!

I have learned a little about their personal lives…I have gotten to know some of their stories!

I learned that Ben Zobrist has a younger cousin, Becham Zobrist, who was diagnosed with a rare cancer in his eye when he was three years old, leading to the removal of his right eye.

Today, you will see Becham wearing a Cub’s eye (See full story on Youtube.com - E:60 Chicago Hope: Beckham Zobrist (Full Feature HD).

I also learned that Javier Baez plays in memory of his sister who died when she was 21 years old from complications related to spina bifida. 

He plays with a glove embroidered with her name and has a tattoo of her on his arm.  (To read the full story…Google Cubs Javier Baez Driven by memory of sister).

I now know that Anthony Rizzo (who has become one of my favorite Cub’s players) was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma when he was 18 years old.

Now, he gives back through the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, which helps children and their families battling cancer. 

Rizzo is not only involved with the big events that take place throughout the year, but he regularly visits the Lurie Children’s Hospital.  (Google Anthony Rizzo’s Season is over but his charity work never ends for more details)

I smiled as I watched the Cub World Series Hype Video (See it on youtube.com)!

It shows play after play that the Cubs made, leading them to the World Series!

You can’t help smile and wish the best for them as you watch the bear hugs…high fives…tears…laughter…handshakes…leaps of joy…as they celebrate this milestone in this season…in their lives!

And I’m not going to lie…I had tears when I watched the video of the standing ovation given to David Ross, one of the Cub’s catchers after announcing his retirement.

And just for fun…watch Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo starring in the new “Bryzzo” commercial for MLB.

And the most recent story…the Cubs delayed their trip to Cleveland so they could spend time with their families on Halloween.

For these Cubs players…family still comes first…which melted me heart and made me love them even more!

What happened as I read each story…watched each video that my son shared?

They were more than just a Cub’s player…they became more personable! 

I learned some of the trials they have faced in their individual lives…obstacles that they have overcome…and how they persevered and continued to move forward!

They are real people…facing trails, tribulations and hard times…just like the rest of us!

Yet, they have come together as a team…encouraging one another…playing to the best of their abilities…providing so many of us the opportunity to cheer them on to Game 7 of the World Series!

And I thought…what a great example they have been to all of us!

Scripture tells us to…”Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing”…1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Life isn’t always easy!

And sometimes, it is downright hard!

We grow weary!

And at times, we want to give up!

I’m sure the Cubs have felt this way many times in their careers!

But when our brothers and sisters come along side us…or as in the Cubs case…when teammates come along side us…choosing to walk through both the good and bad times…we are encouraged!

We press on…realizing that we are not alone!

And for those of us who know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior…we know that are Heavenly Father is always…always with us!

So be encouraged today!

Remain hopeful!

As some might say…if the Cubs can win the World Series…anything can happen!!

Not let’s do this!  Go Cubbies!

And regardless of what happens tonight...I have become a true Cubs Fan!

Dear Heavenly Father…Help us to focus on our relationships with family, friends, and those you place in our lives.  Help us to encourage and love each other through the difficult times…as well as, choosing to rejoice with them in times of celebration!