Not being a huge sports fan, it’s funny that the Lord brought this metaphor to my mind.  I know it was Him, because I wouldn’t even think in these terms, but sadly I’ve been living them.  Maybe you will relate.

Just returning from vacation, (on a cruise ship – no less) let’s suffice it to say I added a few extra pounds of cargo I didn’t have when I left; and I’m not talking about suitcases here!!  I knew when I got home I’d have to start some serious cut backs in my diet, so I mentioned my goal to Tom.  His response was typical for him, as was my response back to him for me!  Here is our dialogue:

[Me]:  I can’t believe I’ve gained _____ lbs. since we’ve been gone. (Hoping for a bit of sympathy).

[Tom]:  Yeah, I have gained some too.  What you really need is to exercise to get your metabolism going.  That’s how you’ll lose the weight.

(Somewhere in his two sentences above I became defensive – note the football term!)

[Me]:  Well, you need to exercise too!  (even though I knew he had been exercising all during our vacation.)

[Tom]:  You’re right.  I do, that’s why I’m suggesting it – for both of us.  (Can you see who’s being the better player here?)

[Me]:  SILENCE.  (because I know he’s right.  He’s made a touchdown right in the heart of what I needed to hear.)

So football camp began for me yesterday, and I am very sore.  Part of me didn’t want to tell Tom I had actually exercised yesterday.  That would be like telling the opposing quarterback your defensive play.  Ah, but Tom and I are on the same team!  If I listen carefully to him, I’m sure to win – or in this case, lose; the weight that is!

We’re going to have to huddle up tonight so I can apologize appropriately for being defensive when all he was suggesting is I play the offensive instead.  Besides, you can only score when the ball is in your possession, right?  Tom was simply handing me the ball – it’s up to me whether or not I take it and run!

In what ways do you play the defensive line in your relationship?  What are the touchy subjects you avoid discussing?