Sooo this Canadian girl is about to write about a blog post about a small Texas town obsessed with football. This is “Writing what you know” at its finest. Here goes...
What I learned from Friday Night Lights
1) We’re all crazy.
Seriously...the characters on this show have some complex issues and they do some really dumb things. They. Mess. Up. Some of them, like Tim Riggens, the high school party animal, are like fully open about the state of their lives in a way that makes the audience fully buy into his story, the good and the ugly, because we can see his heart . At the same time, some of the characters, like head cheerleader Lila Garrety, hide behind the mask of success, but it never lasts. And I think that`s OK. It`s actually kindda the point.
Maybe if we (I) could just remember that I am no more or less messed up than the pretty girl on the worship team, or the Godly woman who is married with four kids (that she probably home-schools), our relationships might have the potential to become something real, something meaningful.
2) We need to be in each other’s lives.
A friend of mine said something profound about Friday Night Lights. “The thing I notice Kim, is that they just go to each other’s houses”. Yes. Yes they do.
I think that`s how it should be. We live in a culture of isolation in so many ways...and it`s just not how God created us. Ì think we`re meant for community...I think were meant to show up at people’s house, invite people in, and do life, not just events. I love how kids just show up to talk to Coach Taylor or Principal Taylor. I love how they don`t text, they just go. Maybe it`s just cause it`s T.V., but still, I think it`s a good idea. I might start doing it. Watch out!
3) People are worth pursuing.
They just are. Tammy Taylor inspires me...she even made me consider switching careers and becoming a guidance counsellor. She doesn`t give up on people, she seeks out the most broken, the lonely and lost, because she sees more in them. And she believes. She may waver in moments but she believes.
I kind of think Jesus is like that...only he doesn’t waver. And I think maybe he wants us to be like that too...
3) No matter what happens...life keeps going.
Maybe one year you win state...and the next year you win one game all season. Or you fall in love...and then it falls apart. Hearts break. Time passes. And then they heal. They may never be the same...but I think that’s kind of beautiful. And I think maybe it’s just how God wants us; scarred, broken and willing to put one foot in front of the other. He wants our happy and our sad.
“You just do.”
Profound words spoken by Lila Garretty, to the ex quarter-back turned paraplegic, Jason Street. Enough said.
5) Shows end.
They have the power to inspire...but they end.
And then it’s kind of up to us. Are we going to live inspired or just dream inspired? Are we going to be real? Get in each other’s lives? Pursue the lost and broken believing they can change?
Are we going be obedient when God wants to change our story? Are we going to get after it?
I sure hope so.