Yesterday, my son, Joe, played the first football game of his life. I was really proud of him. You see...
This summer he made the decision to try something new. He was starting at a new school (Northeast Regional Vocational High School in Wakefield, MA) this fall and had heard about the freshman football team. He took the initiative to find out about the details. He joined the afternoon workouts even though he didn't know anyone. He enlisted in his first summer football camp where he got to bang heads with upper classmen. He did all of this while acknowledging feeling a little anxious about the unfamiliarity of it all.
Friday morning, on his way out the door to school, I checked in with him on the day of the Big Game. I admired his honesty when he shared feeling a little nervous about the coming game. I reminded him about God's promises to be with us always... and that includes in a classroom or on a football field. (In the back of my head, I kept hearing Joshua's words to the people - Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. For the LORD, your God, is with you; wherever you may go [Joshua 1:9])
Friday afternoon, I had the privilege to see my son, Joe, start for the Northeast Golden Knights as a Running Back. He completed his blocking assignments. He ran his pass patterns. He even carried the ball three times. Even though he had a net gain for the day of Zero Rushing Yards. In my heart and mind, the gains made yesterday afternoon are immeasurable.
Joe decided, that despite his natural anxiety and nervousness, that he would get in the game. He committed himself all summer to that end. He put on the uniform. He got dirty and tired and a little banged up. But he got in the game.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of us, as Christians, did so too?
Joe, I'm proud of you.
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