Feel Good Friday – Football and Faith

 

It’s football season. Is God on the sideline in your life? Put Him in the game, He can play Offense and Defense. Wake up each day and give praise for all that you have, and you will not need to call on God as your Safety, your last line of defense.

Punt, pass, or kick, whatever play you decide to use, be sure your playbook is filled with faith. My son plays college football. I am aware of the dangers associated with this sport, but I don’t dwell on the what if’s – what if he breaks a bone, what if he get’s a concussion?  Well, what if he doesn’t?

What are you dwelling on – is it something from the past, a problem, or worry? Turn those negative things around and dwell on God’s presence. When life’s troubles throw you a pass, let God intercept. He can run faster, jump higher, break holds, and get us through to the end zone of our problems.

I’ve found that when you praise and express joy, even when you don’t feel like it, you eventually feel better. Try it, think of a song that you like; start singing it loudly wherever you are. If there is anyone around listening, and you’re singing off key, ask for forgiveness. It if this doesn’t make you feel better, it WILL bring joy to the person laughing at your singing.

Just a quick story…

I was excited about going to my sons’ football game. As I gathered my stadium chair and other items, I began singing and walking with a bounce in my step. From my bedroom to the living room I sang at the top of my lungs. As I got closer to the dining room my son shouted, “Ma, I’m on a zoom call.”

I heard a voice from his computer say, “Somebody’s happy.”

All I could say was, “Oops,”

How does this story relate to football and faith? I was singing a song about faith as I prepared for the football game. Although football season is my analogy for getting God off the sideline and into your game of life. Your analogy could be different. You may need His guidance and protection as you jump hurdles or swim through deep waters.

May you find strength, peace, and joy with any dilemma you face and any situation that stalls you. Call a time out and get God in the game.

Motivational Monday – Perseverance

The sky was a blanket of darkness combined with spots of fog. I focused on the tail lights of the car in front of me as I drove down the highway. It was past 7am on a Saturday morning, but the sun refused to shine. With a warm cup of coffee in the cup holder and the GPS set, the five-hour trip was bearable. I pressed onward. Its football season and I’m a diehard Verges fan (my son).

Liquid sunshine, in the form of rain, beat down on the car windshield. I increased the speed of the wipers and kept driving. Perseverance. I was determined to make it to another game before the end of the season. Time seemed to stand still as I passed mile marker, after mile marker, until finally, I saw signs directing me to the college. Perseverance.

After a few more miles, and several turns, I had achieved success. I saw stadium lights shining brightly through the overcast clouds. Carrying my stadium chair, blanket, and an umbrella, I was football ready. A smiling face at the gate handed me a program, it was kickoff time.

As the game progressed, I was not the only one who experienced perseverance. The players on my son’s team pushed through fumbles, off-sides calls, and other penalty calls. The defense was strong, holding their opponent from scoring at the five-yard line. Our offense took the field again and scored. Tenacity and teamwork kept the game score in close range.

Our team lost the game, but at no point did they give up their best effort. After the game, I listed as both my sons recapped the game, discussing plays that were run, most of it was language that I didn’t understand. One thing I did understand, was the sense of calmness that washed over me.  I was engulfed in thoughts of how my young men persevered through high school and now college.

I’m so glad I persevered through parenting challenges to arrive at today. Feeling blessed.

If you are struggling with a situation, keep your faith and P.U.S.H (Pray Until Something Happens).