“They’re going to lose,” eleven-year-old Laurel kept repeating at the start of the Broncos game on Sunday.

“Quit saying that!”  I admonished her.  “Anything can happen.”

Anything indeed.

I’ve been a Broncos fan since I moved to Colorado in 1983.   John Elway also moved to Denver that year.  One of Chris’ and my first dates (and the first time he held my hand!) was at a Broncos game.  I cheered for them through their Superbowl losses and victories.

Nothing, however, can quite compare with the amusement-park-worthy ride we’ve been on this current season.  (Except of course The Holding of the Hand.  I had to say that because my husband reads my blog.)  Fourth-quarter heroics, game-tying field goals and 80-yard overtime touchdown passes have made Broncos games not-to-be-missed Sunday afternoon TV fare.  Even naysayer Laurel had donned her Dad’s Tebow jersey by halftime and was jumping up and down in front of the screen.

It’s been a nice change for Broncos fans.

There’s been a change in my perspective too.  Instead of writing them off and counting them out when things look bleak, or turning against them like my dear husband does (maybe he won’t really read this!), I find myself holding onto…Hope.  I’ve seen the underdog defeat the favorite and the trailing team come from behind to win too many times this season to doubt.  I BELIEVE.

I’ve needed this reminder that Davids sometimes still defeat Goliaths and Red Seas still can part.  Instead of letting the arrival of a “giant” on my playing field cause me to retreat in fear, I’m now at least entertaining the possibility that I might be able to face it down.  When a friend shares an overwhelming burden with me, I’m more inclined to pray in faith, remembering we serve a God who specializes in pulling out improbable victories.  The Bible is filled with such accounts.   And He is still in the business of authoring unexpected and impossible endings to stories today.  I BELIEVE.

So thank you, Broncos.  It’s been an unforgettable season.  But more importantly, a great lesson for life beyond the football field.

There’s always hope.  Nothing is impossible.  Anything can happen.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible.  But not with God.  Everything is possible with God.”  (Mark 10:27 NLT)