If you have ever been to a high school football game on a Friday night, you know it’s loud!
The fans’ cheers, the clash of helmets, and the endless stream of music surround you. I call that the good stuff!
Sometimes it is all I can hear, and then there are times all I can hear is the negative. The nasty comments, the ugly glances, the social media posts, and the attempts to diminish any hard work the coaches have done.
Once I hear it, I’m zoned in. No matter how hard I try to ignore it, my ears pick up on everything said. My heart hurts… “They don’t know” is what I tell myself.
They don’t know how my husband misses out on quality time with my family to pour into their child.
They don’t know the countless times we pray as a family for their child’s success.
They don’t know what their comments do to our hearts.
More than likely, they will never know.
What I have had to learn is that no matter what is said, the Lord is with me. Yes, He is with me even on Friday nights while I sit in the stands. I’ve had to rely heavily on Him and find rest. I find rest for my heart and turn away from what my flesh desires.
My instant reaction to the negative is to stiffen my back and defend my village. My flesh wants to read them the riot act, but my spiritual reaction is to love them through it and turn the other cheek.
Boy, is that hard! But it makes my heart lighter and fills me with joy. It’s strange to say it fills me with joy, but it does. Don’t confuse happiness with joy, because I am not happy about the situation at hand. However, I am filled with joy over being the person Jesus calls me to be!
Jesus calls us to be kind and forgiving. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” That is what I will cling to in daily life, but I write it on my heart for Friday nights.
When I’m surrounded and it feels like the negative is creeping in, I will block out the noise and remind myself He is with me. It’s a special thing to be Friday Night Wives; it’s even more special to be daughters of the King!!
***This space is about supporting the women behind the sidelines. We’ve created a few favorite wear-on-repeat pieces inspired by this life, just in case you want to check them out!***