Tip of My Iceberg

Soccer is a game that requires team work and an understanding of what each position requires from individual players. There’s a learning curve to the game, as in every sport. As kids become familiar with the footwork and fundamentals, they become better able to play together.

All six of our kids played soccer, and now the grands are into it. When they’re just starting out, it looks more like cluster ball than soccer, where all the players are unaware of positions and follow the ball like bees after flowers. The first understanding in any sport is winning. How to achieve that successfully is a greater part of the learning curve.

Mason is six, and he’s a competitor at heart. Whether it’s on the soccer field or challenging his siblings to see who can brush their teeth the fastest, his mentality is to win. Because his parents and cousins have played soccer, he’s had the opportunity to learn how to work with the ball. His technique is quite advanced for his age. Of course, I’m totally unbiased.

When I took him to his recent game, he scored four of the goals for his team; it was their first win, and he was so proud of his accomplishment. He was unafraid of challenging bigger kids, and he was persistent in following the ball, often using his footwork to get the ball around other players.

He also fell on his bottom while trying his moves. Most of the team was on the ground at one point or other.

We will all fall and fail as we learn new things. The challenge is often our lack of kindness directed at ourselves when we’re disappointed with our performance. When a six-year-old throws himself on the grass in obvious despair when the other team scores, that’s an unreal expectation.

Perfection is unattainable in this world. There will always be a flaw in our methods, an imperfection in our performance, a deficiency in our implementation. Not because we’re not trying our best, but because we are, by nature, imperfect beings. Human and finite.

God is very aware of our limitations. He, however, is infinitely perfect in all He is and does. His love for us isn’t dependent on how well we do; His love is the result of His choosing to love us despite our flaws and brokenness. We merely have to receive that love. The prophet Jeremiah knew that well. His life was a series of difficult situations that God allowed to help those he spoke to better understand His great love and forgiveness.

“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Jesus understood the complications of life, and He offers His strength and presence to give us what we need to deal with what we’re faced with every day.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest Walk with Me and work with Me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30

Just like Mason is experiencing a learning curve in soccer, life presents us with ongoing opportunities to grow and mature. Our expectations should be realistic, recognizing our abilities are bracketed by our skills, experiences, and willingness to learn.

We can’t do it all. But what we can do can be improved by allowing Jesus to strengthen us and give us courage to keep moving forward.

What learning curve are you being challenged to tackle?