It’s winter, and our life is full of football … on the television, the video games and even in the books my son checks out from the library. Just last month, my son was playing on a third-grade football team, where every young man is a model of enthusiasm and athleticism. Okay, that may be a stretch; but if you have never seen a third-grade football game, it is a memorable experience indeed.

First of all, the players are obsessed with their uniforms. At one point, my son had long socks, extra pads on his forearms and gloves to help him catch the ball. (He’s not a receiver, mind you.) His coach asked him, on that beautiful 65-degree day: “Are you sure you’re going to be warm enough?”

The players are also easily confused at times. Left and right, offense and defense — these can be switched in the heat of the moment. Fortunately, the coach can be on the field during play, guiding the players.

Finally, there is the conversation among players on the sideline, the countdown to snack time — and the occasional distracting family pet that draws several sets of eyes away from the game on which they are supposed to be focused.

The best part, the highest high, is the chance for the players to run the gauntlet of clasped parent hands after a victory. This is when the boys squeal, skipping and running toward the tunnel (and those snacks). It is a sight to behold — joy following a job well done.

Our game of life is not so different, really. In 2 Chronicles 13:12, we are reminded, “God is with us; he is our leader ….” God can be there on the field with us, guiding our every play, if we only ask — it’s the perfect game plan.