The Party's Over

On December 5th in a hospital in Santa Fe New Mexico Joseph “Dandy” Don Meredith at the age of 72 succumbed to a brain aneurism and as his wife reported, “We lost a good one.” I have to believe that with a quiet and reverent homage many whispered, “Turn out the lights, the party’s over.” Dandy Don brought to football what many lament is missing in this over compensated narcissistic media driven menagerie of prima donnas who see football as entertainment more than a man’s game. Meredith played hard, played injured and played for the team whether he was on the gridiron or in the sportscast booth. He was “entertaining.” But not driven by a spotlight but rather a passion and love for the game. He is well known for singing Willie Nelson’s lyrics when it was obvious that a game was over… “Turn out the lights, the party’s over!” Rest in peace “Dandy” Don and we’ll turn out the lights and never forget how many times you took us to the party.

“They say all good things must come to an end” are the next lyrics in Willie Nelson’s song. And though I’m at a place in life where many of those who formed my history now make up the obituaries I’m glad that my faith anchors my soul with eternal life and the hope of the resurrection. The Holiday season is always a tough time to lose a loved one. My mother passed away in 1999 the day before Christmas. We were devastated but assured the party was not over but closer to starting when we all will be assembled at the wedding feast of the lamb. The lights weren’t turned off they were burning bright making heaven that much more dear to us! I’m in no hurry to fill my place in the obituaries but I am excited about going to the party. Maranatha is more meaningful to me each passing year… yes, Lord come quickly!

The rest of the lyrics of Willie Nelson’s song are a lament about losing a sweetheart because he had more care for the party than for his gal. Life was more about having fun than it was about making sure his love was true. Sadly, that’s where Nelson’s song leaves you… with the lights out and the echo of “it’s over.” I’m glad that after the gospels we have Acts one reporting the ascension and the comforting words, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven(Acts 1:11).” Jesus IS coming to gather those who made sure that their love was true and are ready for the party to begin… an eternal party of praise, adoration and service to the exalted one! The catch phrase for the NFL now days is, “Are you ready for some football?” More importantly are you ready for heaven’s party? The lights will be on and for eternal days the party will be celebrating the victory of faith! -DAN