Force field

There was no announcement on the loudspeaker like you’d hear for “please stand for the playing of our national anthem.” It just was. A silent force that spread through the spectators, ushering attention away from pre-game conversations to the stillness in the center of the playing field. Gathered there in a tight circle were the competing high school football teams – each player on a knee, each physically connected with another.

Moments later, we did get an announcement. The voice on the loudspeaker noted the moment of silence for the fellow football player in a neighboring town who died that week. Asking for it wasn’t necessary. The love from that circle on the field had already enveloped us. Our job was to help it along towards its intended recipients.