For the first time in a very long time, I watched a live American Football game. Grass, two teams, the sounds of men crashing into each other; it was all that I remembered and more. I watched and provided a running commentary to a friend still figuring out the game. It was fun, reflective, and challenging, all at the same time.
On the morning after, I find myself considering the lessons of the game. Life has a way of teaching, even when you are not looking for the lessons. The themes for my day ahead include the following.
Life is shorter than we realise, make the most of it. In the game, the clock was running. It was fun to see a few no-huddle plays, with players making the most of the time they had remaining on the clock. As I watched the efficiency of the signal calling and time management, I could hear old words playing in the back of my mind; “We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight.” (Romans 13.13)
If one wants to take a step forward, be intentional and commit. There were occasions, on both sides of scrimmage, where the team did not seem to believe in the play. It showed in the way they stood and responded as the play unfolded. You could hear it in their voices and the way the play ended, quiet for football. In contrast, when they believed, everything was different. Sharp moves, crisp passes, and determined runs. When this occurred, one could feel the force pass through one’s body.
Living includes goals, ends, and lines. Life is lived in the relentless pursuit of kindness and care. Life is experienced in the moment of caring to make a difference. Success is in stepping forward with courage, knowing the hits will come.
More important than the touchdowns, I saw individuals willing to be life’s arena, doing battle, making a difference for others and themselves.
