Football in Texas is more than just a sport—it's a way of life. With my husband coaching high school football for 26 years, my older son in the marching band, and my younger son on the JV team this year, football is a major focus in our household. I've spent countless hours sitting on the bleachers, cheering on the team.
One of my favorite moments this year happens on the car ride home after my youngest son's game. I love listening to him excitedly recount the game (especially when they win), sharing stories from the sidelines, what he's proud of, and what he wants to improve. Hearing things from the perspective of a 15-year-old boy is always entertaining.
One particular tale from this past week stood out.
Due to a big win, several kids had the exhilarating experience of scoring a touchdown. It seemed unexpected for at least one of the boys, and my son was relaying his story.
The player described the winning touchdown play to his teammates, explaining how he found himself in an unexpected position. He recounted being tossed around, spun, and suddenly seeing the ball flying towards him. His words were, "I caught the ball and thought, 'What is going on?' I looked up, saw the end zone, and said to myself, 'Got to make it to the end zone! Go to the end zone!' Then, someone's pushing my shoulder, someone's grabbing at my foot! 'Got to make it to the end zone! Go to the end zone! Go to the end zone!'"
Despite the obstacles, he made it to the end zone and scored!
His experience holds valuable lessons that we can apply to our own lives. First, he found himself in an unexpected situation, holding the ball with a responsibility he hadn't anticipated. How often do we find ourselves in similar situations, suddenly handed a responsibility we weren't expecting? Maybe it’s a new job opportunity, an unwanted health diagnosis, a potential move, or a family member in need. Like this young man, we have to kick it into gear and just start running.
As we run with the metaphorical ball in our hands, we may feel like forces around us are trying to prevent us from reaching our goal. If the player had stopped to figure out why he had gotten the ball when that had NOT been the beginning plan, become angry because someone changed the play, or if he had focused on the opposing team instead of his goal, he never would have reached the end zone. He kept his focus where it needed to be and just kept running. Similarly, we must remember to focus on what's most important: following God and doing what He has called us to do. Simply put, we have to keep running.
Just like this athlete, you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish, feel proud of your achievements, and be more confident the next time you're given the ball.
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