My Mormon Third Eye: I See... The Winner of This Year's Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl

Sunday, December 27, 2015

I See... The Winner of This Year's Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl

You would think that the answer to this question would be easy- just look up the score, right? Afraid not. It's complicated.

Officially, University of Utah eked out a 35-28 victory by turning five straight BYU turnovers in the first 10 minutes of the first quarter into touchdowns. An amazing ability to turn misfortune into triumph is the hallmark of a quality program.

On paper, and in the battle to inspire legions of fans, BYU crushed it. They compiled better stats than Utah in almost every major category and fought like dragons for the remaining three quarters while shutting down the Ute defense.

Comments after the game made determining the true winner even more confusing. The winning coach claimed that Utah's play the last three quarters was “ridiculous” and they “had some work to do.” Conversely, losing coach Bronco Mendenhall effusively praised his team for never giving up. I witnessed Ute fans departing the stadium not celebrating a victory but relieved at dodging a bullet. BYU fans could be seen equally stunned during the long walk through the parking lot experiencing the true definition of hell, continuously re-evaluating what could have been with just one less fumble or tipped pass in the first quarter.

It wasn't until the flight home to Raleigh the following day I was able to identify the real winners of one of the most “freakish” bowl games in the history of this or any other world, right here in this picture:

You see, this game brought these three brothers and a brother-in-law together from across the fruited plains of America to one place, for the first time, for an occasion other than a wedding or funeral, since... well... um... I guess you would say... EVER! Ignore the shameful fact that we should have done this earlier; that we are all too consumed with our own puny lives as doctors, managers, and researchers; or that although we are scattered across the continent, we've always had the time and resources, but not the will, to arrange such a short but outstanding Mormon manly weekend. We filled ourselves full of steak, Utah smack talk, and memories that will last at least until dementia sets in. We're already looking forward to Brofest 2016.

We are the Champions!

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

The Mormon Third Eye Quote of the Week

"As men of the priesthood, we have an essential role to play in society, at home, and in the Church. But we must be men that women can trust, that children can trust, and that God can trust. In the Church and kingdom of God in these latter days, we cannot afford to have boys and men who are drifting. We cannot afford young men who lack self-discipline and live only to be entertained. We cannot afford young adult men who are going nowhere in life, who are not serious about forming families and making a real contribution in this world. We cannot afford husbands and fathers who fail to provide spiritual leadership in the home."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Priesthood Session Conference, October 2012

Why My Mormon Third Eye?

When I politely excused myself in the middle of dinner to make a bathroom stop, how did Mom know that I had uneaten peas in my pocket to flush down the toilet? When I came home late from a youth dance and slid quietly into bed to avoid waking parental units, how did Dad know, without looking at the car, that I smashed in the front bumper? When I watch my daughter play a video game, how do I know that she's not ready for her Geometry final?

Its the Third Eye. The notorious eye in the back of the head, the extra view of life that God blesses parents striving to do the right thing so they can see more of life than the children they chase after.

Our third eye also permits us to see things and feel emotions that are too refined, too far on the edge of our standard two-eyed peripheral vision to enjoy in its fullness. I've learned that I have a Mormon Third Eye; that is, as a life-long, fully-dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have unique perspective on how the doctrines of the gospel and the demands of my faith in them intersect every other part of my mortal existence to create the entertaining, self-deprecating kaleidoscope of my life.

So... for those of you bold and bored enough to read this far, every so often I'll be sharing here what my Mormon third eye sees. Third eyes are relatively huge; they see the humorous, the entertaining, the embarrassing, the beautiful, the inspirational, and even the moral and political; however, they tend to ignore the evil, depressing and destructive: there is enough of that in world already!

The Four Secrets to Successful Living

Always Go Where There is Free Food - This includes ward and work parties, wedding receptions and missionary open houses; the money you spend to buy the ingredients for the world-famous triple chocolate cake you bring doesn’t count.
Never Pay Full Price for Anything – See my posts on Black Friday escapades for more information on this.
Never, Ever Press the Red Button - Usually, if you are faced with a red button somewhere, don’t press it – it usually means trouble. For example, the red button launches the missiles. Do yourself a favor and don’t press it.
Any Problem You Face Can Be Solved With Bungee Cords and Duct Tape - Bungee cord and duct tape technology has saved many marriages and ward parties. I’m not just talking about problems with plumbing or keeping groceries from bouncing around the trunk; I know of relationship and family issues that have been solved with creative applications of these two substances.