Football in America

I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!!!

Fall is awakening on the East Coast, and there are magnificent signs of red and gold peeking out of the normal greenscape of the summertime. Shortly, the entire scene will be brushed with a harvest rainbow! I love the cool crisp mornings of the fall and the times during the day and evening where it isn't quite cold enough for a coat, but a hoodie or a light jacket is draped across the arms of everyone you see on their daily ventures. I love seasonal changes, and, if I had to list them by preference --- fall would be at the top of my list! Change is absolutely beautiful, and how creation works where a landscaping of complete green can turn to such a magnificent array of color is amazing to me! It's also during this time that Fall Festivals are in abundance in Virginia, and I love the atmosphere of walking and watching families together either hunting for that perfect pumpkin, or going on hay rides. Such fun!!!!

It's also during September that the sports world comes alive in our home. The Yankees are playing September Ball with purpose and the NFL has begun a new season!!! Added bonus for Mom and Dad around these parts is that this is the first year that both Malcolm and Mackenzie have laced up their cleats and headed for the Grid Iron!!! I absolutely do not have the words for what it does to my heart to see my kids out there in life and doing!!!! And .... there is just something about football in America that does something to the human heart! If football ain't your thing, I cannot explain it, but I can tell you this ..... there is no doubt in my mind that my God in Heaven is a huge Football Fan!!!!!

I don't think he pulls for a particular team (OK, maybe the Saints, but that sounded a little too obvious to say). I don't think He's sitting up there in Heaven keeping secrets from Himself about the outcome of the games, so He can be as excited about a down to the wire, fourth quarter comeback as we are. I think He smiles equally on all the teams, all the players and all the fans!!! The same way I feel my heart filled with love and joy at watching Malcolm and Mackenzie battle it out on Saturday morning - that's the way I believe God watches. A loving Heavenly Father watching His children have a game of pick up, if you will!

I also believe God created football! How else can you explain a Washington Redskins fan telling me in the airport how happy he was that our Giants beat the Cowboys Sunday night! Or a Cowboys fan in the grocery store two weeks ago telling me he was pulling for our Giants against the Skins! With tailgate parties and BBQs --- football is ALL about the fellowship! It opens doors for people who otherwise would never even speak to strike up a conversation. Something about this play, that player, this week's games. Did you see this? Can you believe that? Man, when I played ..... AND ..... in a truly divine way, it creates and strengthens bonds between Fathers and Sons like nothing you can ever explain. And, we ALL know God is all about Father/Son relationships!!! Daughters, too, of course, but we know.

Football is common ground that the majority of Americans stand on, reminding all of us that we're not so different after all!

Yep, there is just something about Football in America!

Much, Much Love .....

Kalena in the Huddle