Though I didn't watch even one second of it, something lodged in my mind during the Superbowl and - shockingly, for the first time in my life - I've actually been thinking about football ever since. More specifically, I've been thinking about the job of the "receiver." Of course, I needed some education on the topic, so I consulted my local expert who explained to me the basics of the job: catch ball, run, pass, score.

Those steps might be out of order (something about not running with the ball), and what the difference is with a wide receiver, I couldn't tell you, never-mind other peculiarities like a tight end...but as for the all important job of a receiver, Wikipedia calls them:

a pass catching specialist, or someone whose principal role is to catch passes.

Isn't that what we need to set a game in motion - someone who is ready to play? Not just the one to kick it all off (trying out my new vocabulary, I believe that would be called the quarterback, but I could be wrong), but also the one who is ready and waiting to grab onto what's coming their way?

So often, things seem to fall flat - near misses, fumbles - and it gets discouraging out there on the field. Sports are dreadfully boring (to me), but a good receiver feels like a total game-changer, turning it into a I want-to-stay-in-this-game kind of game. The kind of quality working partnership that's worth getting started and continuing, like a dance, or a good conversation.

My year-long release, this free-flow pouring out, is great and all but much greater with a recipient of some kind. Granted, I'm not exactly hurtling flying objects at record speed. But even on my slow and subtle level, I still want someone to await this pass. With open arms.

Someone who can pick up exactly where and when and what is coming. Who can keep the whole thing in motion. Maneuver obstacles and get to the next safety zone. Who's aiming for me at the same time that I'm aiming for them. Who adjusts as necessary, because it's all about seeing and seizing that pass. In that moment. And then, who can take it a step further, or even run with it, or even score.

A receiver. Yes, please. Now I'm thinking that's a job actually worth those big bucks.