From The Bleachers

Friday night lights? Yes. High School football is a “thing” that happens on Friday nights across America. At least from the late summer and well into the fall. As a teenager, I seldom attended a game as a spectator. Why? For several years I was a school photographer for the yearbook and newspaper. That meant I got to walk the field, trying to take interesting photos with clunky equipment that is not equal to the simple iPhone in my hand.

I remember the variances of weather, from hot and sticky, to cool and comfortable. This was before coffee was my craze, so I focused on enjoying Hot Chocolate as much as possible.

Right after returning from Texas, and trying to re-enter normal life, I popped down to the local stadium to watch a Friday Night game from the bleachers. The crowd was big! The field was recently refurbished and looked spectacular. There were no marching bands at half-time, and my local team decimated the visitors (57-0), and it was quite cool – cold to some, but totally enjoyable to me.

From The Bleachers

As I sat and observed, I realized that my focus was not on the game, but on the people in the bleachers. Teens doing what teens do, but every one of them with a phone in their hands and their heads bowed to their screens. Parents watched for the cheerleaders, participants on the field, and cheered and moaned at the victories and losses.

The bands never left the stands, and were very few in number, but played raucous noises to help keep the crowd and players focused.

I knew no one in the crowd. During normal times I would have been okay with that because I’m normally a wallflower standing at the back wall during crowded events. But this time, I wished for a buddy to chat with. A brother. A sister.

So. My thoughts turned inward, and I wandered around looking for a familiar face to strike up a conversation. Perhaps I needed another voice, a distraction for the past few weeks, or realizing, again, how alone we are in this world.

These two thoughts percolated in my spirit.

• We think, feel, and believe based on who we are, moment by moment. Everything is a passage or process from here….to there.
• Since we are all on different playing fields of life, let’s give each other space to process from where they are, and not from where you want them to be.

Think It Through

When you see someone being lonely, what do you do? In these crowded times, and places, it always seems I’m drawn to someone else who feels out of the loop, distracted, and withdrawn from the racket. Disconnected. Discombobulated. This is true at church, in public spaces, and even at public events.

Not to intrude on you, or your view,
but I do feel like there is something missing when we ignore people.

Connecting is not the only thing we need to do, and it may not develop into anything other than a smile, nod of your head, and accepting that someone else is in the room who may feel like you do.

Recognizing them in their space gives you comfort in your space.

Why are we here? You never know. You may be just what the doctor ordered. For them. Even for yourself.

During the past month, many have been there for me. Thank you. Many have given me space. Thank you. Many have been through what I’ve faced. Praying for you! Nod my head. I’m here for you. In the bleachers of life.