This Fall my son started competitive soccer in the Under 5 division of Omaha Football Club. I am the Assistant Coach of his team, "The Huskies." It's a great group of boys who are starting to learn and love the game of Soccer. Each week we have a 45 minute training session and a 45 minute 3 vs. 3 game. There are four goals (one on each side of the small field) and no goalies. The ball is continuously put back into play from one corner of the field in order to maximize touches for the players. It's different at first, but the kids catch on and it gives them a lot of experience and fun.
Last week's game was our fourth one and it was against the Punishers. The name of the team was deceiving because they only had three players and two of them had little interest in soccer that day. In fact, one of our players switched jerseys and played for the other team so we didn't have to wait for the coach to convince all 3 to be on the field at the same time. All of my boys wanted to play, but because it was especially muggy that afternoon, all of them were eager to rest and drink Gatorade too. So substitutions were a bit more frequent than what you would see in the World Cup. I guess at 4 & 5 years we have to temper our expectations a bit.
By this game, all of the Huskies had scored at least one goal except for one player; little Braden. Braden is the youngest and smallest player on the team. He tries hard but gets pushed off the ball easy and frustration sets in fast. But last week's game was different. Braden was getting opportunities to dribble and shoot. Finally, after putting one in the net for the Punishers, Braden scored a goal for the Huskies. It was a great moment for Braden and his Mom who feverishly cheers him on during the games.
Towards the end of the game Braden's Dad showed up. And since his Dad hadn't made it to any of the games yet, his Mom made sure to announce this to Braden. I made sure to sub in Braden for the final 5 minutes of play hoping he would get a chance to show off for his Dad. Sure enough, in the last minute of the game, Braden got a hold of the ball at midfield and broke away toward the goal. As he approached the goal, anticipation was building for a perfect scene as Braden's Dad was sitting just a few feet away - prepared to celebrate the moment the ball touched the back of the net. As Braden's Mom yelled, "Shoot Braden! Score!" Braden put his foot behind the ball and struck it well. A little too well though as the ball soared just over the net.
Unlike professional soccer fans who mock players that shank a shot over the goal, all the parents encouraged Braden with a chorus of "good try!" Soon after, the game was over and following the post game handshake with the Punishers (who we punished), the boys scurried to the sideline for Caprisun and fruit snacks - two more things you won't find in professional soccer. I watched as Braden got a hug from his Dad and walked off the field jubilantly with him. I realized the momentary disappointment had passed for Braden and was appropriately overshadowed by the mere presence and support of his Dad.
Reflecting on this later, I realized this was an image worth remembering. So many times in my spiritual journey, I have missed the goal by a mile and then proceeded to alienate myself from God in shame. But over time and because of the promises of grace and forgiveness through Christ, I found that God is still cheering me on. As long as I continue to do my best to love Him and love others, I don't need to dwell on the disappointments. I don't have to hide my head in shame. I can confidently run to the sideline, grab my juice box and smile up at my Heavenly Father. And the best part is that He's already smiling back down at me.
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