I was on a Facebook group for clergy today, called Clergy Coaching Network, and one of the most recent posts discussed grace.
The focus of the post was Philip Yancey's quote: "Grace means ... there is nothing you can do to make God love you more, and there is nothing you can do to make God love you less."
On of the comments on the post, in part, said this: "I think we're pretty good at offering Grace to ourselves. How about a post that uses Grace in an outward gesture? ... Offering Grace to others means ...?"
The timing couldn't have been more poignant, as just a couple of hours later I found myself steaming mad at the Minnesota State High School League for caving to pressure and reversing its decision on when to play high school football. Earlier this summer, the MSHSL's board voted to postpone playing football and volleyball until the spring for fear of COVID concerns. They allowed other, more individualistic spots -- such as soccer cross country -- to play on as they don't require close contact for as long and they are played outdoors. But, out of safety concerns, the plan was to play a shorter football season in the spring.
We are acutely concerned about the MSHSL's decision because our son is a senior and plays football. ... So I outwardly cheered the league's decision in summer. And then came the expected barrage from coaches and parents and players who believe that high school football is a religion, and we can only worship at its altar during the fall or something cataclysmic will happen. "Well, they're playing football in all the surrounding states," the complaints came. "It's played outdoors for crying out loud," others chimed in. ... You can probably list for yourself the numerous justifications these opponents to the league's decision made for playing this year.
And they have won.
The MSHSL felt the pressure and caved today. They voted that the state's football teams can play a shortened, six-game season, and then there will be a two week sectional playoff of some kind allowed. The details of that will be worked out later. There was no mention in the news reports whether statewide playoffs will be played, but I can only assume that is the case. I can't imagine that the state's coaches would have accepted a plan that didn't include state playoffs.
I know our coaching staff wouldn't, and that is part of the problem here locally. Our team likely will go deep into whatever playoff system that is devised. They played in the state quarterfinals last year, and only lost on a fluke last-second play, or they would have appeared in the semifinals at least. And this year, they return most of their offensive and defensive talent. And so from the very day after last year's heartbreaking loss, the football coaches have been looking forward to redemption this year. They have pictured in their minds, our kids lofting that state championship trophy, and possibly carrying their coaches off the field on their shoulders.
I hyperbolize, of course, but I haven't gotten the impression in a long time that high school sports is about the players. Rather it's for the coaches who are trying to re-live their teenage years through their players. And it's for the parents who are coincidentally trying to relive their youth vicariously through their kids' exploits. ... And wouldn't a state football championship be a great accomplishment for both the coaches and for the parents!
As I watched the parents of our son's teammates post their "Hoorays" and "Whoops" and exploding streamer emojis on Facebook this afternoon, I could feel the anger rising in me. It doesn't seem that anyone cares about why the decision was made to postpone the season in the first place. After all, my son's team already has reported one case of COVID. How many more are they going to encounter in the next two and a half months of playing? And when one cause turns into multiple cases and that shuts done the team for a week or two and they miss 16 or 33 percent -- or more! -- of their season, I wonder whether they'll still consider this rush to play this fall worth it.
But as I continued to quietly stew about the decision and the expected related elation, I had to gut check myself. The comments from the person who posted on the Facebook post regarding grace came back to haunt me. ... I wasn't being gracious. I was becoming angry out of fear for my son's safety, and for selfishly wanting to postpone the season until spring.
First, I had held out hope that if football were played in the spring, the teams would have gotten a full eight-game regular season as is played in normal years. But, secondly, my next concern was about the opportunity to see our son play. Today's MSHSL announcement stated that teams will only be allowed to have 250 spectators, and while in many small towns around the state, that is enough so that families can come watch. Here in Moorhead, there are 90 to 100 kids that dress for varsity home games and some 60 or so that dress for away games. Do the quick math, and I wonder who will get left on the outside, not being able to watch the games? ... I surely, surely hope that there is special decompensation for senior players.
And so, you see, my selfishness clouded my feelings this afternoon, and I got angry at the MSHSL board, and at our local coaches who pushed for this decision and at the parents who are cheering it on. ... None of it fits with my hopes, my wishes or my desires for son's senior football season. But, too be honest, I'm not sure at all what his hopes, wishes or desires are for his own season? ... Maybe he's ecstatic to play this fall!
My reaction this afternoon was purely selfish, and my hard feelings toward those celebrating were unjustified. ... I know now that I should have been practicing grace along, and instead of stewing about the decisions that are out of my control, rather turning myself to prayer for all involved. Prayer for wisdom that the MSHSL carries out the decisions about logistics with an eye toward safety. Prayer for the coaches who are guiding our kids onto the field. Prayers for safety and health for our boys all around. Prayers for the school administrators who have to decide who gets to watch, and who doesn't.
The concept of granting grace is so easy when we are expecting of it from others. ... So difficult when we are required to give it. ... God grant me to the strength and courage to give all involved in this unfortunate circumstance the grace for which I wish. ... Amen.
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