Fields
"If you're mad at your kid, you can either raise him to be a nose tackle or send him out to play on the freeway. It's about the same." ~Bob Golic
I finally figured out why football players are paid such an exorbitant amount of money. (Not to say that I condone their salaries) Our oldest played his first football game last week, and as I approached the field and saw him in his uniform, it dawned on me that he was playing an incredibly dangerous sport. Football players throw their bodies at each other without (what seems like) any consideration for the consequences of their actions. Their mission is to make the play, run the ball, block the ball, tackle the receiver, pummel the quarterback, whatever their position warrants. From the sidelines you can hear the physical contact of bodies colliding.
I have always enjoyed football. I enjoy cheering on my team and the camaraderie between fans and players alike. We all show up in the same color with face paint and anticipation for the next win. Last week, when the player was our oldest child and the body being collided with was one I had held in my arms and coddled and kissed and loved for 13 years, I panicked. I purposely stood behind the bleachers, putting distance between myself and the field. I think this was so I could run away, or so I wouldn't run on the field and take him home. Either way, I finally have some insight into parenting that I never had before.
Parents of our young Service Members must feel the same way. I imagine when you see your child in their uniform for the first time, the gravity of what they have chosen to do must come pouring in.
Watching our son as he worked to be part of the team was a very proud moment. His attention on the sidelines to what his team was doing and his excitement when the players would switch or someone did something fantastic made me happy. It is a very profound moment when you decide to put yourself in danger because of a cause larger than yourself. Football is a semi-friendly way of instilling this trait. Military service is a serious way of doing the same.
I have met parents of Service Members who feel immense pride for the commitment of their child to our country. I have seen the dilemma that they face in trying to support their child in a life decision that puts them at risk as they serve. I can just see them processing it all, much like I did, not being able to find the appropriate place to watch it all play out. As their child leaves for their "field", they want to stand close to an exit in because of the fear, but chose instead to stand and cheer as they watch their child give their best to our country.
Today my prayers are with the parents. For your countless sleepless nights worrying about the child you raised who is on foreign soil. For your support, at all costs, of their service and dedication. For wearing the colors, standing on the sidelines and cheering when deep down inside you are fearful. Thank you for raising a child who believes that the freedoms of many are worth fighting for.
I finally figured out why football players are paid such an exorbitant amount of money. (Not to say that I condone their salaries) Our oldest played his first football game last week, and as I approached the field and saw him in his uniform, it dawned on me that he was playing an incredibly dangerous sport. Football players throw their bodies at each other without (what seems like) any consideration for the consequences of their actions. Their mission is to make the play, run the ball, block the ball, tackle the receiver, pummel the quarterback, whatever their position warrants. From the sidelines you can hear the physical contact of bodies colliding.
I have always enjoyed football. I enjoy cheering on my team and the camaraderie between fans and players alike. We all show up in the same color with face paint and anticipation for the next win. Last week, when the player was our oldest child and the body being collided with was one I had held in my arms and coddled and kissed and loved for 13 years, I panicked. I purposely stood behind the bleachers, putting distance between myself and the field. I think this was so I could run away, or so I wouldn't run on the field and take him home. Either way, I finally have some insight into parenting that I never had before.
Parents of our young Service Members must feel the same way. I imagine when you see your child in their uniform for the first time, the gravity of what they have chosen to do must come pouring in.
Watching our son as he worked to be part of the team was a very proud moment. His attention on the sidelines to what his team was doing and his excitement when the players would switch or someone did something fantastic made me happy. It is a very profound moment when you decide to put yourself in danger because of a cause larger than yourself. Football is a semi-friendly way of instilling this trait. Military service is a serious way of doing the same.
I have met parents of Service Members who feel immense pride for the commitment of their child to our country. I have seen the dilemma that they face in trying to support their child in a life decision that puts them at risk as they serve. I can just see them processing it all, much like I did, not being able to find the appropriate place to watch it all play out. As their child leaves for their "field", they want to stand close to an exit in because of the fear, but chose instead to stand and cheer as they watch their child give their best to our country.
Today my prayers are with the parents. For your countless sleepless nights worrying about the child you raised who is on foreign soil. For your support, at all costs, of their service and dedication. For wearing the colors, standing on the sidelines and cheering when deep down inside you are fearful. Thank you for raising a child who believes that the freedoms of many are worth fighting for.
You got me again! You hit it right on the head it is a challenge to be so full of pride and so full of fear, but the pride seems to win the day!
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