Cherry Bombed

           In Canada we love hockey. Every Saturday night for as long as I can remember we turn on the TV and watch “Hockey night in Canada.” In the first intermission many of us ritually listen to Coach’s Corner. Don Cherry, a former player and coach gives us advice about hockey and the lives we lead. He is usually brash and controversial but we all love him so much.

            Last Saturday night Don was his usual self but it got me thinking (usually a bad thing). In Winnipeg a young hockey player named Evander Kane was the center of attention. He had been in trouble before but his actions last week took the cake. He broke the code of player conduct. Evander showed up to the team meeting and practice in a track suit. Players have an honor code and they always arrive on time and in a Tie. Kane was late and in a track suit.

            One of the players threw the suit in the shower. That caused Kane to miss the next game, and really he didn’t show up. Cherry is an honor and respect guy. He loves the military and shows the players in a suit and tie all the time. The track suit was a no no for Don Cherry. On public television he ripped the young kid and called him a jerk. I was wondering if Don was right to do it or did he throw a Cherry bomb in Evander Kane’s court?

            What does God have to say about code of honor? God several times asked people to remove their sandals because it was holy ground. He toasted two boys for touching his holy Arc. God killed two people for lying about the money they said they gave. God takes our character seriously. In one scripture God says it’s about the heart that God sees rather than our actions and deeds.

            I don’t know if Don Cherry did Evander Kane any favors by barbequing him in public, but maybe he did. God seems to always look bad in public. Did you notice that the church looks really bad these days in the public eye with scandals? God always exposes the Christian sin in public because he expects more from them. Maybe that is what Don did for Evander.

            One of the players on the Winnipeg Jets said that Hockey is a great job. We get paid well and the fans pay their money to watch us. It’s an honor to be an NHL hockey player. The least we can do is respect them by showing up on time and dressing with respect. I really like that. Doctors usually look nice. Lawyers and our countries leaders dress with respect.

            Does a tie make you respectful? No, a tee shirt can look nice. I was not the best student in grade 8. One teacher pulled me aside and Cherry bombed me. The next year I had a 95% average. I’m sure it does not always work but the reason we bomb someone is to wake them up. If there is another reason that is just mean. Sometimes we need an explosion to get our attention. Don began that conversation saying he is Evander’s biggest fan. I have thrown my kids under the bus occasionally because I thought they needed it. In public might be a little harsh, but I think to be Cheery Bombed is like a Hallmark card: it sends the very best.

Faith comes alive