There were about fifteen of us on the soccer field, mostly French. We laid out markers for the end zone and first downs, trying to explain the rules of touch football. The French were a little confused, and so were the Americans. Should we do two handed touch or also below the waist? How many seconds should they count before they can rush? Can the quarterback run? Once we agreed on the rules, the fun began. With a half dozen receivers in the field, it was chaotic but exciting. I asked my team who wanted to be quarterback? No one. The French weren’t confident enough in their throwing skills. That left it between me and guy from Georgia. We decided to switch off.
I have never quarterbacked before, aside from throwing the ball with a few guys in the backyard. Playing offensive guard or defensive end in little league doesn’t prepare you. I can throw the ball pretty well, but being a quarterback involves much more than that. I’m not used to the pressure of having someone rush, and I had a hard time focusing on my teammates out in the field. There were so many of them, all dressed differently, I couldn’t decide who to throw to. It made me think about how I am as a Christian. I naturally spend time reading the Bible and deepening my relationship with God. I know how to throw. But what about seeing openings to share my faith? Do I pray for them, look for them, and have the courage to speak? Life can be more than a game of catch…