Replays are integral to modern sports. While they began as a way to improve the entertainment proposition, increasingly replays have become an additional referee to ensure that the points won were really won and on the field calls made in the moment are accurate. While replays are increasingly used, they are still controversial. Do they show what some think they show? What if the opinions of those reviewing the video differ?
As I watch football with a friend, I find replays bring our conversation into focus. The video, slowed down, highlighted by experts, takes us to a specific point and invites each to form a view. Team loyalties, the score, game momentum, and one’s insights influences how one understands what is being replayed. Two people can see things differently even though they are watching the same video and listening to the same commentary.
The words of yesterday will play out today; “I’m laying this out as clearly as I can, even though you once knew all this well enough and shouldn’t need reminding.” (Jude 1.5) One can be offended or see the reminder as a waste of time. I have come to appreciate the importance of building on a shared foundation. Talking about the foundation helps. Reminding each other of the rules is a good thing. Walking through the history can clarify.
In my experience, replaying an event opens a door to a shared viewpoint. Even though we started with a very different view, starting with a shared foundation, having a fact based dialogue can trigger a change one or more conclusions.
Replays create a broader opportunity to learn. What did someone at the top of her/his game do in a particular circumstance? Is there something that I can take away from their experience to use in my life?
Replays also support extended celebrations. You know what is going to happen! Curling shots go in the net, racing incidents create a bigger story of beating the odds, and the winning moment is relived.
Using the moment past, gives us an opportunity to make this moment better.
