Once there were two fans of The Chicago Bears. The first fan was a true die-hard, always prepared for game day. He built his fan experience on solid ground, investing in a sturdy couch, getting the best gear, and learning every play from past seasons. When game day rolled around, this fan threw the ultimate tailgate party, complete with brats, deep-dish pizza, and a solid surround sound set-up. Rain, wind, or the occasional loss couldn’t shake his spirits; he stood strong because he built his fandom on a solid foundation.
Now, the second fan? Well, he was a little more laid-back. He skipped the heavy investments and set up his game day experience on some rickety lawn chairs and a small portable speaker. He figured he could catch the game anywhere, so he didn’t bother to secure anything. When the weather turned nasty, or when the Bears had a rough season, he was left high and dry. His lawn chairs tipped over, his sound system fizzled out, and he missed the chance to enjoy the game with friends.
So, when the storm of a bad season came and the losses piled up, the first fan’s party thrived through it all, while the second fan’s shaky set-up fell apart. Just as with life, the one who lays the right groundwork—be it for fandom or faith—stands strong, while the other gets swept away when the tough times arrive.