Soccer isn't a diversion from life. Soccer is flow, finesse, focus and fair-play. Life in 90 minutes or less.
For the last couple of years I've been more intentional about getting outside the church instead of looking at the world through stained glass window and polished brass. If you haven’t gathered my now, most of the stuff I write and think about has a strong spiritual slant to it. Although I think all of life is spiritual, I also believe we can become so myopic in our spiritual focus that we lose the insights of seeing life from another perspective. We can become so Heavenly minded, we’re not earthly good.
I first started getting involved with soccer in order to participate with my son Alex who was officiating rec. games and playing travel soccer. At first it was incredibly intimidating to be a novice at the game and have parents and coaches scream at you for call you made and calls you didn’t. I really did get to see a different side of humanity! There were several times I just wanted to pack it in and say “who needs it.” It’s much safer watching from the sidelines. Fortunately I had some very good people who inspired me, encouraged me and taught me the skills I needed to persevere.
This past weekend I completed a milestone in my journey from here to there. I completed my upgrade requirements for grade 7 according to USSF grading standards (USSF REFEREE GRADES EXPLAINED). I needed to referee a U-19 game where I was the center official and be assessed by more experienced referee. When it was all over I got some helpful feedback, things to improve upon, and things I did well. I was pleased and I had a good crew to work with (Jessica Huff and Dennis Carney).
When it was all said and done and I had returned home feeling triumphant, I was asked the real question, “so what does this allow you to do that you couldn’t do before?” Uhmm, Well, I don't know... So why all the effort? Good Question! Here are my top three reasons for why I believe we should all try something outside our comfort zone on a regular basis:
(1) Energy – trying new things can be exciting, invigorating and energizing. One of the six basic needs of all human development is our desire for personal growth. We need to grow, expand and mature, the alternative is stagnation, apathy and eventually atrophy of our soul. If you’re feeling tired, bored or depressed, trying doing something you’ve never done before that excites you and the blood will start flowing again and the grey cells with start firing in ways you never imagined. You'll have all kinds of energy regardless of your age.
Application: Given the day off without chores or expectations, what would you want to do, what would you like to learn to do, what would you like to be involved in?
“This is the true joy in life. That being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. That being a force of nature instead of a feverish clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is not brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I’ve got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." George Bernard Shaw – In an address at the Municipal Technical College and School of Art, at Brighton in 1907
(2) Maturity– Have you ever heard somebody say something like this, “Oh I could never do that,” “what would people say” or “I would just embarrass myself.” These are statements that reveal the heart of a frightened child. As we grow older we’re suppose to venture out on our own to live our own lives. When we try new things we gain a new sense of confidence, courage and conviction that we’re really a special person worthy of love and respect. How many people do you know who are still being kicked around because they’re an emotional child inside lacking self-esteem, confidence or courage to change. Trying new activities enables a new perspective on the world and yourself.
Application: Learn a new skill, Toastmasters, Civic Organization, etc.
Helpful Hints: do you love history: look into the local historical society and go deeper // do you love sports: join a local league and make friends // do you love aviation: learn to fly --> you never too old to grow in wisdom.
(3) It’s Fun – don’t forget that life was meant to be lived not just endured. Find something that peaks your curiosity and explore it. Find something that makes you smile and embrace it. Find something that is a challenge and overcome it. Do not always listen to the rational mind, for the rational mind is cautious and desire control above all things. Having fun in life always seems unreasonable, irrational, and illogical. But if there is another way to live your life, I don’t know it.
“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” ~ George Bernard ShawEmail Subscription: