Go Steelers!

Recently, we were out on the road and got lost (imagine that!). As such, we stopped to ask a tatooed man in his 60s, who was walking his dog, for directions. It was a hot morning, so he had no shirt on. Before long, he was telling us of his affection for gridiron (that's what they call the NFL). His favorite team, he quickly let us know, was the Pittsburgh Steelers. So I asked him how he had become a Steelers' fan. "When I was in Vietnam, I met a U.S. soldier from Michigan. He was a big Steelers' fan and he taught me all about American football." He then proceeded to tell me about his recent visit to the U.S. (he had been there within the past few weeks) and how he had flown to Michigan, rented a Corvette, and driven to see the Steelers play a game. Thankfully, for his sake, the Steelers won the game. He then excitedly told me about how he had watched Michgan beat Iowa in a college football game. It was so fun talking to this guy that I shared with him my love for Husker football and thanked him for his service in Vietnam. "You know," he said, "when I got to Michigan, some gentlemen thanked me there too for serving in Vietnam." He was obviously touched. He then proudly showed me his Steelers' tatoo. Eventually, he gave us the directions we needed and we headed off. But then it hit me, so I turned around and drove back to the gentlemen. "There is something greater than American football," I started, "that I'd like to share with you." I then told him of a challenge that a friend of mine, Mike, had given to me: he challenged me to read my bible for five minutes a day for a week and guaranteed that it would change my life forever. With that, I gave him a bible and challenged him too. He was open to my challenge. As we drove away we looked back and saw the man reading his bible as he walked along with his dog. Influence is a beautiful thing when used for good. How is your life influencing those around you? Go Steelers!