DOWN HOME:
Thank the Lord for high school football in Texas
___You live in Texas, and you've been feeling sorry for yourself. You'll feel better if you count your blessings. Don't forget Mexican food and high school football.
___Before we moved back home to Texas, Joanna and I lived in four other states. They offered wonderful benefits. Bountiful trees. Friendly people. Even four seasons. But none
boast great Mexican food and decent high school football.
___We once heard Lyle Lovett say his band just doesn't eat Mexican food east of the Mississippi River. I'd move that line about 150 miles west.
___Every week, I thank God for Mexican food. But this time of year, I'm grateful for high school football.
___My friend Dan claims baseball is the perfect analog for life. I tell him I can't believe someone from Norman, Okla., would say something like that. He allows as how football is "violent and entertaining," but baseball is a better metaphor.
___Metaphor schmetaphor. Some of my greatest childhood memories are of going with Daddy to watch the Borger Bulldogs, the Dalhart Wolves and the Perryton Rangers play football. I loved the cool autumn nights, the popping of "leather" (a throwback word the old men used; even guys my age never saw a leather helmet), the energy of the band and the distinctive smell, which was equal parts fresh popcorn, dust and cigar smoke.
___What makes high school football so special in Texas isn't just the game itself. Ohio, Michigan and Florida also produce gifted athletes and powerful teams. High school football in Texas is unique because of the community nature of the game.
___My other friend Dan teases me because I say "we" when I talk about the Lewisville Farmers. So, what's his point? Of course, I couldn't make the team. But for a few hours every weekend, folks from towns all over Texas leave their cares at home, perch on too-skinny plank benches and cheer their lungs out for a bunch of kids from their home team.
___This year, I'm doing my part, thanks to my friend Laree, my sister-in-law Julia's best friend from college. I heard about how Stephenville fans put nuts and bolts and ball-bearings in propane tanks and shake them to cheer on the Yellowjackets. Laree, who lives in Dublin, heard I coveted that kind of serious noise. She couldn't get her hands on a propane tank, but I now have a paint can "loaded" with ball-bearings, and it makes enough noise to embarrass Jo when I get particularly enthusiastic. And I love it.
___Now, I won't kid you and say I think about this during games. But at other times I have wondered how thrilled the Lord would be if we infused our faith with the same kind of passion Texans bring to high school football stadiums each week.
The Baptist Standard
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