Sunday Night Football Lessons (1/01/2024)

Last evening, my husband and I watched the Packers-Vikings game on Sunday Night Football. We watched as the commentators hyped the potential of Jaren Hall as the fill in quarterback for the Vikings. And we were still watching when the Vikings leadership switched at the 2nd half back to Nick Mullens. And we watched Jordan Love watch all this. I learned a lot about life and even about discipleship from that experience.  

Jordan Love, the Packer’s quarterback had a rough start to the year. Following Aaron Rogers can’t be easy. He not only had the weight of the fan’s hopes on his shoulders, he also had to find his spot, the way he was to lead using his specific skills and engaging his teammates. He had to practice not just at practice but in the real games. Fortunately, the Packer’s leadership stuck with him and supported him. I guess they understood that these types of relationships take time and practice and support.

The Vikings have been trying to save their year since Kirk Cousin’s injury to his Achilles in the previous game with the Packers. They have waffled on their quarterback selections using Jaren Hall, Joshua Dobbs, and Nick Mullens. Unlike the Packers who stuck with Love even after disappointing shows, the Vikings kept switching. None of them were given the time and experience in the real games to find their unique way and to form trusting and cohesive team relationships.  

As we watched the game, we noticed the expression on Love’s face as the cameras frequently found him on the sidelines watching the Vikings’ plays. One could almost feel his empathy with the struggling opposing quarterbacks. As we watched him watch the others, we could see a reflective look upon his face. I believe last night Love did more than win the game with his team; I believe he came to understand the gifts he’d received in support and in time to practice his craft.

As I reflected on the day, the images of the game, especially the faces of the quarterbacks for both teams, kept coming to mind. I realized that there were lessons for me and others who seek to follow the LORD as disciples to be gleaned.

The first is that faith and our relationship with our loving LORD is active. It requires practice. It requires us to give ourselves to the mission of Christ and his living body here on earth. It requires that we show up, that we try. It requires that we learn from our mistakes because we will make them.

The second is that it requires others in the Body of Christ, other disciples, to accompany us, to give us time, to help us recognize the changes we need to make, and to support us every step of the way. Christ sent the disciples out in pairs, recognizing that need for companionship and support on the journey. The times may have changed, but the need is still very real.

The third is that it requires the Spirit, the source of our gifts, to help us use those gifts for the love and glory of our LORD and for the love of our sisters and brothers. The Spirit is the one who helps us continue even when we are weary. The Spirit is the one who opens our minds and hearts to the possibilities of life in the LORD. The Spirit is the one who prods us to be the ones we are created to be. The Spirit leads us on our journey home.

And the Spirit can use moments like Sunday Night Football to stir within us a desire to grow into the daughters and sons we were created to be and the disciples we are called to be because our relationship with the LORD isn’t separate from our life, it is our life and every moment within it has a bearing on our relationship.

And as the Spirit stirs, the desire to be there for others on the way increases. The Spirit moves us to loving kindness and care for all the LORD’s children.

Isn’t it marvelous how the Spirit works in our world?

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.