Friday Night Lights has been under way for a couple months now. Years in the waiting! What an exciting night to look forward to when your son plays quarterback! This year has been a little different though. Instead of seeing my son start the game, I've seen him on the sidelines. Some games he plays 5 minutes, others games maybe part of the last quarter, and then there has been a couple that he didn't play at all. Although this has been hard for all of us, I want to share why I stand in great admiration of my son! I am choosing to focus my attention on who he is during this long wait. He is one I am extremely proud of!
To understand where I am coming from, it would help a little to learn about my son's background . He has been playing football since he was 7 or 8. He loves it! He has played quarterback and knows his position very well! What started off as a fun game of flag football, turned into a passion for the game! From flag football he played tackle for a few years and then it was onto High school ! He was playing basketball too, but now it was time to get serious and really start pursuing his dream! He has gone to quarterback training camps, received private lessons, and trained trained trained! In the weight room and any other facility that would help him to get better! This has pretty much been a year round endeavor. Training is a part of him! His heart has always been completely committed to the game. I don't think I've ever heard him complain? He has never been "given" his quarterback position. He has battled and persevered his way into being the "starter". Both freshman year and sophomore year he was awarded Offensive MVP and he was very successful. Never proud or arrogant, just loving the game!
Here we are in his Junior year. Knowing he has worked exceptionally hard since last years season ended, we all had high hopes for his first varsity season! When I say work hard, I mean he took maybe a week or two off last December and one week off in July. That's it. He hasn't missed one practice! He has been sick, fever and all and still fulfilled his commitment. His choice. With all that he has invested, how can he not be discouraged? How can his dad and I not be disappointed? When I say disappointed, I am not referring to my son. I'm referring to the game. The outcome thus far. I've sat in the bleachers with such a heavy heart for my quarterback.
So how is it that I stand with admiration of my boy even when he is on the sidelines? Almost every week tears run down my cheek when I see what a strong team player he is. Whether it's on the field or sidelines. He ALWAYS is the first to high five or congratulate players on a good catch, hit, or touchdown! He paces that field and keeps his head high with enthusiasm while he waits and hopes to be put in. His attitude is a perfect reflection of who he has become. The year is not over yet, and we are still hoping and trusting in God's perfect plan for our son' s life. We know playing or not playing doesn't define his value or worth. We support him no matter what!
