Friday Night Lights and Fatherhood

The Musings of Augustus Merriweather

Dear Reader,

Welcome back to our little corner of the South. If you find these musings as refreshing as a cool glass of sweet tea on a hot August day, I’d be much obliged if you’d share them with a friend or two. Now, let’s kick off today’s reflections, shall we?

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🏈 The Friday Night Fever: More Than Just a Game 🌟

My dear friends and fellow spectators in this grand stadium we call life,

There’s a certain electricity in the air, a palpable excitement that even the oppressive Georgia humidity can’t dampen. Can you feel it? That’s right, high school football season is upon us once again, as reliable as the sound of cicadas on a summer evening.

This Friday night, under those bright stadium lights that seem to push back the darkness just a little further, my youngest son – my “baby boy” as my dear wife still insists on calling him – will take the field for his senior year opener. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Augustus, you old softie, you’re about to burst your buttons with pride, aren’t you?” And I’ll tell you what, you’d be right as rain on a picnic day.

🏋️‍♂️ Summer Sweat and Southern Grit 💪

These young men, bless their hearts, have been working harder than a one-armed paperhanger all summer long. I’ve witnessed it firsthand, watching my boy and his teammates push through drills in heat that would make the devil himself reach for a fan. It reminds me of what the great Bear Bryant once said: “It’s not the will to win that matters – everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.”

Now, I’m not one to brag, but seeing my son out there, giving it his all... well, it does make a father’s heart swell with pride. It’s like what King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 23:24): “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.” Of course, I’m not saying my boy’s perfect – Lord knows, he’s got his share of fumbles both on and off the field – but watching him grow into a young man of character? That’s sweeter than Mama’s peach cobbler.

🎭 The Balancing Act: Pride Without Pressure 🤹‍♂️

But let me tell you, friends, it’s a tricky business, this parenting gig. It’s as delicate as a game of pick-up sticks, trying to balance showing your pride without putting too much pressure on those young shoulders. We’ve got to be careful not to live vicariously through our children, expecting them to fulfill our own unfulfilled dreams.

I’m reminded of a conversation I had with my old friend and mentor, Dr. Beauregard Sinclair. “Augustus,” he said to me once, “remember that your children are arrows in your quiver. Your job is to aim them true and let them fly, not to fly for them.”

🏆 More Than Just Touchdowns 🙌

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love a good touchdown as much as the next Georgia boy. But what really gets me excited is seeing these young men learn valuable lessons about character, teamwork, and perseverance. It’s like what the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25): “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”

A thought for you parents out there: This week, look for opportunities to praise your children (or any young people in your life) for their character and effort, not just their achievements.

🌅 The Dawn of a New Season 🌄

As we stand on the cusp of this new season, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Not just for the games themselves, mind you, but for all the moments of growth, the lessons learned, the friendships forged in the crucible of competition.

I’m looking forward to watching my son play his heart out for his teammates and for God’s glory. And yes, I know this post might just embarrass him something fierce. But you parents out there, you understand. Sometimes, that pride just bubbles up like a natural spring, and there’s no holding it back.

So here’s to the new season, to the young men on the field and the lessons they’ll learn, to the parents in the stands cheering them on, and yes, to the sweet taste of victory. But most of all, here’s to the memories we’ll make and the character we’ll build along the way.

Until next time, may your tea be sweet, your team be victorious, and your heart be full of gratitude for the simple joys of Southern life.

Yours in Christ and in eager anticipation of kickoff,

Augustus B. Merriweather III

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P.S. If these musings brought a smile to your face or a nod to your head, why not share them with a fellow football fan or proud parent? And if you haven’t already subscribed, well, what in tarnation are you waiting for? Join our little community, and let’s navigate the ups and downs of life together – with a healthy dose of Southern charm, of course. Go team, and go with God! 🏈🙏

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