Living and Seeing in High Resolution

We often hear the word resolution referred to in regards to a photograph or image. A high-resolution image is one that produces an image characterized by the kind of fine detail required for a sharp reproduction. This resolution is measured by how close lines can be to each other and still be visibly resolved.

Most of us grew up on the analog version of TV which was the original technology used to transmit video and audio. In 1996, the FCC switched to the new digital standard which led to the rapid growth of the High Definition TV market. The difference between the Analog vs Digital platforms is truly remarkable.  The detail that can be seen on a TV now, compared to even the early days of High Definition TV is amazing.

Think about our growth and experience as officials.  At the start of our careers, we were most likely seeing the Analog version of the football game.  We could see the game, but it wasn’t as crisp and clear as it is now.  As our year’s progressed, we started seeing the game in High Definition.  We could see the details, the game slowed down—the action on the field became a lot more defined.

What are the basics to have High Definition?  For a TV, you need the following:

1)      First, you need a TV that can handle a High Definition signal.

2)      Second, HDMI cable.  This cable carries high resolution images.  If you don’t have this type cable, you will not see the full potential of your TV.

3)      Third, Sources—even you have a HD TV and an HDMI cable, you have to connect to a provider that carriers HD channels (i.e. Cable company, Dish Network, etc).

4)      Fourth, once the first three things are in place, the TV settings need to be checked to make sure you have the right picture mode, the right brightness, and sound.

For officials, what do we need to be successful and to see in High Definition:

1)      Willingness.  This is the first step.  We have to have the right mind set to do the right job.

2)      Tools—just like the HDMI cable, our rule books, mechanic manuals, video, grading helps us to have the right connection to the game.

3)      People.  These are our sources.  It starts with our family.  Then it goes to those people that help mature us as officials, to our crewmates, and then to our Supervisors.

4)      Self -evaluation.  We can have all of the things that make a great football official, but without evaluating ourselves whether we have the right settings, we will not reach our full potential.

1 Corinthians 2: 2: For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.

The apostle Paul demonstrated this in his own life. He resolved to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). Paul’s high definition life did not begin until he became a follower of Christ.  In fact, God temporarily blinded Paul in order for him to see more clearly.  But, once his sight was restored, Paul was connected to right source, Jesus, which led him to become one of the greatest followers of Jesus.

As officials, for each game we prepare for, check our tools, sources and settings to make sure we are fully prepared to see in High Definition.

Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.

Timing Matters

Over the course of this season, we looked at the Advice from a Tractor:

1)      Plow ahead                                     5)   Don’t blow a gasket

2)      Pull your weight                               6)   Be outstanding in your field

3)      Cultivate lasting friendships            7)   Get your rear in gear

4)      Work hard                                  

One key item a farmer has to consider when planting a crop is TIMING.  Even if you use the 7 pieces of advice from the tractor, if the seeds/crops are not planted at the right time, the harvest doesn’t happen.  In short……TIMING MATTERS.

When things go the way I want or expect, I tend to lean on the saying “All in God’s timing”.  But, what about when times are tough—bad diagnosis from doctor, car accident, and in officiating—what about a missed call?  Can we really say that is “All in God’s timing”?

I do believe for those who trust and believe in God, that all things work for the good of God’s glory (Romans 8: 28).  It’s not about us, it’s about Him.  Yes, we will experience difficulties and the timing will not seem to be right.  We have to trust God has placed us where he wants us to be.

Romans 8: 28:  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

What is the most difficult part of TIMING?  Often, it is the waiting.  We view time in a linear way – a straight line marked by seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years. We build our lives around appointments at a certain hour, on a certain day.  But God doesn’t view time in this linear way. And, honestly, we’re not sure how God views time.  Don’t view the waiting period as a time to be lazy and do nothing.  Let the waiting push us our faith in God to seek Him and what he has in store for us.

Today, trust that God has placed us in a particular place at an appointed time.  We have planted the crop at the right time and the harvest is not happening by accident.  Think about what a farmer does to grow crops:  prepares and tills the soil, plants the seeds, waters and fertilizes.  As officials, we have prepared by studying rules and mechanics, reviewed film, and exercised to be physically fit.  In other words, our harvest will not happen by accident.

As we go thru our game, be aware of TIMING--when to speak, when to listen, when to help, when to ask for help—because TIMING MATTERS. 

WISDOM IS DOING THE RIGHT THING AT THE RIGHT TIME!