Life, Football and Daffodils
I took an unofficial poll the other day. I asked some of my friends what their favorite time of year is. The result was unanimously the fall. Here in zone 7 we do not get as magnificent of fall color that our friends in the colder climates do. Still, I have to admit that autumn runs a very close second to my favorite time of year, which is the spring time. As we enter into September more and more fall bulbs are appearing on store shelves. “Fall bulbs” are simply bulbs that we plant in the fall of the year that will bloom in the early spring. Tulips, Crocus, Hyacinth, and Daffodil bulbs are all examples.
Daffodils, (commonly called Jonquils,) are perennial bulbs from the genus, Narcissus. They emerge in early spring in most climates. They are said to symbolize rebirth and new beginnings. When I think of Daffodils I think of the verse in John 12:24,
“Listen carefully; Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over.”
Daffodil bulbs look very unimpressive when purchased. They are a dull, light brown color. They resemble an onion (although they are not edible.) We can plant them anytime throughout the fall season up until 2-3 weeks before the ground freezes. When they are planted they are unseen for months. They are seemingly lifeless. They endure bitter cold temperatures. They are all but forgotten for a time; hidden beneath several inches of soil, mulch, snow and ice. Oh, but then the spring comes! Spring! Even the birds sing happy songs. People emerge from their life of winter hum drums and begin to go for walks again or sit outside in the sunshine. The brilliant yellow faces of the Daffodils greet them as they scurry about their busy lives. I wonder if the Daffodils noticed. Do they serve as a reminder that a new season has begun? Or have the troubles and trials of the previous day lingered like a mill stone hung around their hearts.
Our sons played football in high school. Our two youngest were starters on the same varsity team. They played for a Christian school that was not yet part of the Oklahoma Secondary School Athletic Association. There was no possibility of play offs or state championship for them. The best they could hope for was an undefeated season. Their season started off wonderful. For the first six games of the season they were unbeaten. Then one night they played a really tough team that was much bigger in size and enrollment then we were. Most of their starters were seniors and had college football scholarships in their future. The score went back and forth. We found ourselves in overtime. The opposing team had the ball and scored first. Then we scored and it was up to the kicker to tie the game before the first overtime ran out. The kick was up but veered off to the left. Game over, we lost .The hope for a perfect season was gone. The next week we played a team that was basically equal to our size. They were known for their good coaching. In fact, their coaches were at our game the week before taking notes about our plays and players. Despite their great coaching staff our team was picked by the local newspaper to win the game by two touch downs. When the time for the game arrived our team came out of the locker room. The fans noticed something almost immediately. Our team lacked an excitement. Instead of the familiar “game face” of confidence and strength there was the tired, defeated look from the previous game. Even though a week had passed the heartache of last week’s loss was still there. On our first offensive play of that game the quarter back threw an interception. I was told that his comment to his teammates was, “Well, we’re going to lose again…” As you probably have guessed, that is exactly what happened. Not only did they lose. They lost miserably by 40 points.
“But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26)
How is your “game face” today? What thoughts were bombarding your mind as you started your day today? You cannot change yesterday, last month, last year, or the last ten years. It’s done; It is the past. I will not say, “Get over it” but I do say “Go forward, learn from it, then leave it and be stronger for it!” For years I was paralyzed by thoughts of guilt and regrets. A decision my husband and I made had directly affected our oldest son. I felt responsible for some of the struggles he faced in his life in the years to follow. I may not have turned into a physical pillar of stone, but, my heart was stone cold. I pulled away from people. I wouldn’t let anyone really know me. I was afraid that if they did get close, more pain would follow.
I spent two years reading nothing except the book of Psalms. David, the man after God’s own heart was also an adulterous murderer. But God loved him. God heard his prayer of repentance and his plea for mercy. David was restored and he is known as one of the greatest kings of Israel.
“ O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!”
(Psalms 118:1-2)
The Lord knew our faults, our short comings, and our sins even before we committed them. That’s why He came, died, and rose again. That’s why He gave us the night time and then the day. Today is a NEW day. You can begin again. Success and victory are possible but only in Him. It may be the fall season, but, let it be spring in your heart. Emerge from the dirt and begin again. He hasn’t given up on you, and He never will. Let Him be your quarterback. He says, “We can win this together!” Catch the ball of your life and run with it!