A-ha Moments From a Football Game

We Americans love sports. From optimist programs to high school and from college to professional athletics, we delight in sports. Heck, I am watching the Florida State vs Oklahoma game as I write. No matter what the sport; be it soccer, tennis, volleyball, baseball, golf, basketball, football, or whatever sport, we admire powerful athletic programs that know how to build winning teams. As I watch this game tonight, I think about what got these two teams to this bowl game. What goes into building a winning team? And can I, one who endeavors to follow the example of Christ, glean anything spiritual from football?

Ownership — When Edward Debartolo bought the 49ers for 13 million it was with the intent of building a winning team. When David Tepper bought the Panthers for over 2 billion dollars it was with the intent of building a winning team. Every team has owners and every owner(s) pays a price for their team. We watch the games and we couch coach and yell and fuss about coordinators and draft choices but guess what, we don’t call the shots, the owners call the shots. A-ha moment number one, as one who endeavors to follow Christ’s example, I realize that I have the gift of agency. I can think, desire, plan, and make my own decisions about my life. And, to follow Christ means that I should honor his wisdom and management of the abundant life he desires and plans for me. I can come up with all kinds of good ideas, but I prefer to consent to God’s ideas. I had planned to be a microbiologist until I had an encounter with a special professor who introduced me to some very special children. I sensed that the Divine was nudging me in a different direction. I honored his calling the shots. If I didn’t have this posture, I would have not enjoyed a rich career working with exceptional children and their families.

Scouting and Recruiting — Good recruiters don’t just scout division one and two schools, but are open to expecting there to be talent anywhere! Dick “Night Train” Lane from Western Nebraska Community College played for the Rams, Cardinals, and Lions and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jerry Rice from Mississippi Valley State played for the 49ers, Raiders, and Seahawks and was also inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Think about what we would have missed out on, had no one considered them. A-ha moment number two, I must see God’s value in people and know that everyone created has been gifted with potential; each person has gifts and talents to help make the world a better place. There are those who just don’t yet have that insight about themselves.

Coaching Staff — The coaching staff sees the bigger picture. They help to create and maintain focus on the team vision and develop a team attitude. Coaches identify strengths and needs for improvement. They must be able to see how all the positions fit together and help them function in unity. Coaches convey to the players that it’s not all about you, but it is about you. That they are one team with many different parts to play. A football team isn’t made up of all quarterbacks or wide receivers. Every position is necessary. “No part can say I don’t need you. Every part should have the same concern for one another.” Nobody says the quarterback won today but the team lost. When you win, you win as a team and when you lose, you lose as a team. A-ha moment number three, seeing the bigger picture encourages unity.

Players Execute — Before the team plays on game day, some things go on during the week that we don’t see. There are weight-lifting sessions, practice scrimmages, and game film reviews. The players do all this because they are expected to get in the game and execute when they hit the field. It would be silly for these athletes to do all of this preparation during the week and on game day, stay home, sit on the couch, and eat popcorn. Commentators and fans always want to know who’s starting, who’s not playing, and why not. Why? Because participation matters.

And here am I, one who endeavors to follow Christ’s example. I attend Sabbath services, Bible studies, and zoom conferences. I read books and devotionals and set aside time for prayer and meditation. Why do I do all of this? Because I too am expected to get in the game and execute.

On the field is where loving our neighbor is executed. On the field is where we do the work of justice, where we are kind and have compassion for those in need, and maintain a humble heart toward God, always mindful of his kindness toward us. On the field, we let our light shine in times of darkness. A-ha moment number four, I also execute on the field within the community.

So, as I conclude this post, I realize that these nuggets are not really “a-ha moments,” but are instead gentle reminders.

Always encouraging reflection,

WandaP