October means football time.  My nephew, T, played his last freshman football game today.  The sun made a prolonged appearance and the temperature rose to the high 60’s to accommodate the game.  Actually, I think the few parents and relatives that sat in the stands appreciated the weather more than the players running on the field. 

I forgot about the game and showed up an hour late just as half-time was ending.  Freshman football does not have the glory of the varsity team but it is an important step in the learning process.  For example, T has been playing the sport since little league learning bit by bit each year.  He is a much better player at the end of this season than he was a year ago.  And he can continue to improve each year he plays as long as he puts forth the effort.

As I watched the players (who I’m sorry, but they all looked so young) the thought occurred to me:  football is a lot like life.   Stay with me on this.  Any sport can be an analogy of life, but today I’m going to look at football.  And I’m only going to mention a few things.

First, not everybody can be a quarterback.  I don’t watch much football.  The only game I watch on tv is the Superbowl.   And the only time I watch college football is when I travel to Laramie to watch the Wyoming Cowboys.  But even I know the names of Troy Aikman, Steve Young, Joe Montana, and John Elway.  Quarterbacks get the glory but they don’t win the game by themselves.  Sometimes the game can be won with the defensive team preventing the other team from scoring. 

How this applies.  If we view ourselves as being on a team, whether at work, with friends, or in our family, we each play a part to make our organization a success.  Not everyone can be a leader at the same time; sometimes it is our turn to be led.  There are moments in life when we are indeed the quarterback and receive the glory.  Other times, we are the underrated linebacker defending our team.  As Shakespeare wrote, “What e’er thou art, act well thou part.”  Versatility in life is a great value and “There are no small parts only small actors.”  (I had to look up that last quote to find out who said it.  The answer is Konstantin Stanislavsky in case you’re wondering.)

Second, learn to control your temper and you won’t lose any unnecessary yardage.  The opposing team was situated at their own 25 yard line with the ball.  A flag on a play cost them 10 yards.  The coach started yelling at the ref.  Before his assistant coaches could shut him up, the scrimmage line was at the 50 yard line.  Of course, our side wanted him to keep talking.

How this applies.  Life isn’t fair.  Sometimes it is downright ugly.  Bad calls will be made from time to time.  How we handle the unfairness life throws at us will determine our success or failure.   The enchanted servants reminded the Beast in Disney’s version of Beauty and the Beast of this.  Their final advice to him on getting Belle to fall in love with him and break the spell consisted of five words, “You must control your temper!”

Third, you do your best to prepare but also realize luck plays a big part.  With months of practice and parents’ money shelled out on football camps all the players came ready to play.  Suited up and warmed up, the players were prepared for football.  Gaining 25 yards because the opposing coach couldn’t keep his mouth shut turned out to be quite lucky for our team.   Through no skill or ability of our own, our team was able to keep the other team from scoring until the clock ran out.

How this applies.  We need to show up and be prepared to do our part or play the game.  Whatever it is.  But also realize we can’t control everything and sometimes dumb luck plays a significant part.  Louis Pasteur said, “Fortune favors the prepared mind.”  Preparation is key.  And life will take care of the rest.

This was just a partial list of things I noticed today.  Perhaps you have a more comprehensive list?