Enjoy the Game!

World Cup Soccer 2006

Sam and Spencer play soccer and I must say that it has been a most enjoyable sport to watch. I don't understand soccer so I'm not all into what they are or aren't doing correctly, I can just enjoy watching the kids out there having a blast. The joy of kicking the ball, passing to one another and moving toward a goal.

With the world cup going on right now, we're enjoying watching the pros. They are truly amazing in the way they are able to move the ball - the athletic ability is truly astounding.

I'm intrigued by the game of soccer. I am also intrigued by the comments that follow many of the soccer clip videos...

"people that don't understand that soccer is about more than just goals... understand that it takes a lot of skill and even 0-0 games can be exciting if the right teams are playing...."

"....The Americans are, in a whole, people that demand instant gratification. That is why all their sports require somebody scoring at least every 5 minutes ..., and lots of commercials! 30 seconds of play interrupted with 2 minutes of commercials."

These two comments and many like them, made me think. We really are very accustomed to instant gratification - we notice if it is not there. We want what we want and we don't want to wait. We want results, something to show for our efforts. We hope to be able to point to something and say "that is what I did today". (and maybe I shouldn't be throwing the word "we" around so much.)

As a disciple of Christ, on a journey, I often will get to the end of the day and have a sense that I have been running up and down a field, never scoring, never getting to the goal - and that is not always o.k. with me. So I'm challenged...

"He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret..." (Psalm 37:6-8)

Jesus is all about accepting us where we are, lovingly leading, and gently restoring us to the Kingdom. He lived and died and lives for us to know peace with our Creator, God. He does not demand that anyone come. He invites and then waits. He patiently, yet with great passion and devotion, works the ball down the field - passing, settling - bringing joy to the game. I am a player. I am part of a team (a good one too)! The things I would like to see accomplished...the Christian community I would like to see take shape...they are not the goal. They are what happens when you play a great game.

Who's watching the World Cup?