I Used to Love Football

I love football season.

I should say... used to love it.

But one year, I replaced every game I would have watched with time spent on a writing project... and I haven't returned to football ever since. Every fall, I begin a new project that takes the place of my old favorite sport.

Think about it... a soft, comfortable recliner with a bag of chips by your side... or a dream brought to life.

A big pot belly that your wife lovingly doesn't discuss and atrophied leg muscles... or your dream brought to life.

Rooting for a team that has no idea who you are and certainly doesn't want you wearing one of their jerseys... or your dream.

Comments

[Nick Blevins]

I do both, and football is one of my primary connections with unchurched people. It's a win-win scenario.

You're crazy if you think the team doesn't want you wearing their jerseys, that's money for them, which is their dream!

[Liz R]

Ben–
Love this post. It reminds me of a message that my pastor preached about the "little gods" and how more people are excited about football than they are about church. I love the fact that you replaced football with something meaningful to you. You will not regret it.

[Steve McCoy]

You should give up your family too, Ben. Then you'd have TONS of time. :)

[JodieOtte]

I photograph a lot of the Baltimore Ravens and their families. I have to say meeting them and working with them very up-close-and-personal gave me a whole new respect for them. The ones I met are humble and kind young family guys. :)

[Ben]

Jodie just got to hang in balto this week. Fun city. I never spent much time down there

nick looking forward to your conversion stats this season

steve I'm only saying what Molly is thinking. Ur welcome Molly =)

[Mike O]

Sometimes we dream of "achievable" visions - ones that are possible if we just turn the crank. Break it into bite size pieces, and work away. Sure, sometimes a bite size piece is a bit too big or slow, but we still make progress.

And, sometimes it helps to long for a hopeless cause. One that is basically impossible - we could never learn all teh skill sets, we are unlikely to get all the talent in the same place at the same time, the cash flow just does not work. Having that unattainable vision allows you to say "Well, X will never happen, but I can do Y, so I'll do Y." And keep plodding forward.

Sometimes having a hopeless football team can substitute for the hopeless project. Any other Raiders fans out there? :)

[Adam Lehman]

great post ben. looks like you've struck a nerve. good.

[Lesc1aypool]

This post is like poetry...no...scratch that...it IS poetry. Replacing comfort with action. Thanks for letting some light shine on this idea.

You've earned a regular reader!

[David, justopenthebook.com]

I gave up football for family and ideas a few years ago - have not regretted it. I just couldn't see taking 4 hours out of the day just to sit anymore. (Being a Raider fan may have helped). My kids and wife are definitely better off because of it.