As a lot of you know, my son Riley recently finished his senior season with the Charlotte Christian School football team.

The team did well, making the playoffs and losing to the eventual state champion.

For me and Julie, Friday nights this fall were full of excitement, pride, and new friends among the parents of the other players.

But I also watched football in an entirely new way.

When Riley was on the field -- he played linebacker -- I didn't watch the ball. I didn't follow the normal flow of a play, which goes from center to quarterback to running back or wide receiver.

Instead, my eyes were dialed in on Riley: how he was moving, the blocks he was shedding (or not), and ultimately the tackles he was making.

Sometimes, I zeroed in so heavily on his movements that I missed a big play heading in the other direction.

It was a focus born of love and pride.

Perhaps I should bring that concentration to other areas of my life.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2