Sunday morning Cooter came into our room, bouncing on the bed. It being a day of rest, the Fella and I were trying to stretch it out as long as possible. Cooter is a morning person, me–not as much.
He was excited about the upcoming Falcons game, and he and his partner in all things football talked about the games from the night before. I may have zoned out a tad during this bit. Eventually the conversation caught my attention again–when I heard the Fella say, “Yeah, I don’t know if I’d want to be the kicker. You have to be on standby, ready to be called in at any time.”
The conversation lost my attention again at that point, as I thought about the kicker. I used to imagine stress as like being the catcher in a baseball game–ready for a ball to come from any direction. But a kicker, sitting on the sidelines, not knowing for sure when he will be called in…..and expected to help the team out in a big way when he is? Bless.
Because that’s the thing about football–there’s never a time when you tell the kicker, “Eh, just whatever, man. It won’t matter.”
Anything and everything that kicker does matters.
That night I was in my think tank (some folks call it a shower), and I started pondering on who the kickers are in my life. Those folks who are there, on my team, ready to step in whenever, wherever I need them.
Like Mess Cat making the time to come out after dark to pick up our Princess because I was with our drama king, Cooter, at his dress rehearsal. (Coming out after dark is a whole ‘nother level of showing up, y’all.) Or my Aunt who picks up the phone and listens and shares laughter and wisdom and “poor baby’s.” Or my Cousin who answers my SOS texts when I’ve sliced my finger open, cutting up the cabbage for supper. Or Aub who hangs out with her siblings so I can go do what needs doing. Or the Fella who takes time from work when things go awry. Or my brother who listens so well or my neighborfriend who picks up oyster crackers for my sick one or steps up in so many other ways…..my friends…..family…..And so many more–all these wonderful kickers, who are there, waiting, willing to be called into “the game” (and chaos) of my life. Present, interruptible, loving, wonderful people.
I think we are called to be kickers in this life. Doing our own thing, sure, but never forgetting we are a part of a Team, sharing the same goal, same dreams. Helping each other out whenever need be.
Kick on, my friends.
Love to all.
I Might Need A Nap 