Friday Night Lights

Yes, it's that time of year again. Plenty to time on the turf and single parent season has commenced. Thankfully the latter is mild and weekends still do exist despite the season. It's a time to be revel in time at home and enjoying your space more and more. The kids are at a great age. Reece in middle school and Cale still grade school/intermediate. There is something crazy for me about trying to get to the games among the scramble of work, lessons, and beyond. Friday rolled around this week and I seriously wanted to end up at the game, but I know God must have had other plans.

We scrambled around town, ran several errands, ending up at Walmart for just 5 minutes too long only to get stuck in the timely torrential downpour right as we checked out. A slew of customers began to gather inside the dual set of sliding doors, just watching as the rain beat down. Let's just say it was a total pant soaker. Those that ran inside from their cars were drenched, hair sopping, with little on them left dry. After 10 minutes, I just looked at the kids, threw on (thankfully) the jacket I had and told them to grab an arm. We made it in the same shape everyone else did. Scrub pants stuck to my legs, socks and shoes soaked halfway through, the purchases we just walked out with drenched as well. So much for plans, I thought and drove home to change and seek something dry. A friend was playing at Sharon's so I definitely thought the change of weather was welcome because I knew that there was more in the cards. After a simple change and savoring a few moments to read and let the kids relax, we went to listen to a 2 hour set. It was fabulous and welcome. I love the smell of bbq, the sound of soft rain, and live music. The kids agreed that was the best way to spend the night too. Reece even thinks that she needs to sing with the band for a song the next go-round. :)

Bellies full, heads whirling from great conversation, and hearts warmed by music and friendships, we headed home. It was a very simple Texas night. Loads of laundry waited and a sink full of dishes was calling. We started a Redbox movie and I went to town on the sink. There's something comforting about hand washing dishes and just getting it done. Nothing to unload later on. Dishes are something I do with my dad when we go visit him. It's time to ourselves and I love that time so much. Tonight it just feels honoring to wash and pray for him and wonder what he did with his day. There's so many things I want to say, but the time and day got away again and I know he's asleep.

Cleaning and laundry went late into the night. I waited on the text from Jody that says, Leaving, I'm driving. And then the one that says, At the high school, a few hours later. It means he's home with the team and off the road and my heart can settle in for the night. That is after the laundry is folded, towels are put away, and we are prepped and ready for a peaceful Saturday. These are sometimes my Friday night lights. Bringing him home when he's been out on the road with the team. Knowing he's safe and sound and has a clean house and heart to come home to. There's really nothing sweeter than these days and nights. Even the ones that bring a tiny amount of dread seem to disappear into the night when you clean, study, and spend time talking to God. I'm so grateful for this season stadium or home. Brought to you by football and Friday night lights from this coach's wife.

Just a few pictures. Top is my favorite of Jody with several Bulldogs. Scrolling is Cale with his Senior bulldog (YAY for year #2 with this great kid!). Lunches with the kids and sandwich between Cale's venture at catching a lizard on the back porch. Tiny but quick!