Last night we (1) made it through to the second phase of Euro 2008 soundly defeating the
When Cristiano Ronaldo lined up the third of the three goals, there was only one man between him and the open goal. He‘s widely acknowledged as one of the best strikers in the world. He would also have a personal ambition to be top goal scorer in the competition. But he gave the goal away to someone else. Ricardo Quaresmo was hovering to his left unmarked and in front of an open goal. A quick pass, and the ball was in the net. And so it ended up 3-1.
Now there’s teamwork, I thought to myself. How tempting to try and tackle the obstacle yourself, because you know you have the ability, because you secretly would like the glory for yourself, and because you’re not sure you have faith in your mates to finish the job. No game is ever won that way. As in football, so in life
The battle’s won when you intimately know and can trust the others on your team.
The battle’s won when you’re thinking abut the end result of bringing people to Christ and glory to God and not thinking about your own reputation or what people will think of you.
The battle’s won when you remain highly aware of others around you, their potential and their positioning and you encourage someone else into a place of victory, while staying in the background yourself. Hmmmm, Wonder what other lessons in life this championship will bring forth for me….
(1) Hey, It’s hard not to be influenced by the infectious and enthusiastic nationalism on every side with red and green flags flying from every building and vehicle, and not to feel as much a part of this wonderful nation as everyone else around us!
Unfurl the unconquerable flag
In the bright light of your sky!
Cry out to all
That Portugal has not perished.
Your happy land is kissed
By the Ocean that murmurs with love.
And your conquering arm
Has given new worlds to the world!
From the Portuguese National Anthem!
No comments:
Post a Comment