There is an American football expression describing a situation that anyone who has played the game recognizes; he ran before he had the ball. Usually the image unfolds in a passing situation. The ball in the air, on target, with the receiver running in full stride. Just as the ball reaches the spot where his hands should be, the receiver turns his head in the general direction where he thinks he should be going. The simple act of turning his head changes everything! The usual outcome is that he does not catch the ball and the potential opportunity is lost.
Metaphorically, running before one has the ball is something that routinely repeats itself in the world around me. There is no question that I am often the guy missing the catch. It is hard to admit what is obvious to others. When it happens to others, especially when one is in the middle of the play, it is painfully obvious to watch.
As I helplessly witnessed a replay, Life reminds me that there is help before, during, and after any situation. As helpless as it seems, no situation is without help.
Preparation is key. Playing prepared translates into being physically ready (trained and rested), mentally prepared, and in a place where one’s emotions are conditioned, energizing, and motivating. I can see each in a football setting. Learn from yesterday, prepare for today. You and I have an opportunity to translate this into practice that transcends football and becomes a way of living.
Be present and fully in the moment. When the ball is in the air, one’s role is to receive. Everything else is secondary. If I miss the moment at hand, the first person that loses is myself.
Use all the help that is available. My tendency is to try on my own. From trusted friends to signs and wonder through to Divinity, help is available. God is always present and available; as the Psalmist notes, “You [God] own the cosmos – you made everything in it, everything from atom to archangel.” (Psalm 89.11)
