Slow Down

Related Scripture:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” - John 14:27

In just a few short months, football season will begin. Now is the time for us as football officials to review our rule books, sharpen our mechanics, participate in study groups, and take pre-season quizzes. We should also add personal goals for the season to that preparation list. I’m making a concerted effort this year to slow down in my thoughts, decisions, and movements on the football field. A mentor of mine once told me that every mistake he has ever made as a football official happened when he “went too fast.” That wisdom applies not only to our officiating lives but also to our spiritual lives.

Football officiating places us in fast-paced, pressure-filled environments where decisions must often be made in seconds. The temptation is to rush—to throw a flag before fully processing, signal or whistle before fully seeing, or react emotionally before calmly assessing the situation. Yet speed without composure can create unnecessary mistakes. The best football officials are never  the quickest; they are often the calmest. They trust their preparation, rely on proper mechanics, and let the game come to them with clarity and discipline.

Scripture reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Our spiritual walk mirrors our work on Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays. Life often pushes us toward hurry, anxiety, and distraction. We race from play to play, action to action, and responsibility to responsibility, sometimes losing the peace Christ intended for us. Spiritual mistakes are often made the same way officiating mistakes are—when we move too quickly and fail to pause, pray, and listen.

This football season, one of the most valuable goals we can set is to intentionally slow down. Slow down enough to see clearly. Slow down enough to officiate confidently. Slow down enough to hear God’s voice above the noise. Preparation matters, but peace matters too. When we combine disciplined preparation for football officiating with a calm spirit, we position ourselves not only for a stronger season on the field but also for a more faithful life off the field.

Questions to Ponder:

How will you prepare to slow down this coming season?

How will you incorporate prayer before, during, and after the game to accomplish this?

Dan Munroe - Simsbury, Connecticut