How Soccer is like Life

The ball is hidden behind the wall of kicking feet and legs. The small players run back and forth, forming a circle around the ball. Parents on the sideline are screaming "Go get it! Kick it! What are you doing?! Get in the game!" The children go back and forth, back and forth, following the ball from one goal post to the other. Then it's half time. The children excitedly run to get their treats and socialize. The parents give tips and encourage more kicking. Then it's game time again. Back and forth. Back and forth. Then it happens; the ball lands inside one of the goals. The parents cheer or let loose a sigh. Then things go back to normal, and finally the game ends. The little champions on both teams excitedly high five each other and get their end-of-game treats. The parents remember the score, tell themselves their kids will learn to play better eventually, and drive everyone home.

This is just a quick glance at an average day at the local soccer field. With siblings that enjoy playing sports, it's become a familiar sight. One thing I've noticed over the years, is that most of the children begin the season with excitement and enthusiasm. Then, as some parents try to get their children to focus on scoring rather then having fun, the children begin to become tired and even bored. We should look to the children's example, and try to enjoy the small things like treats and friends rather than become totally engrossed in scoring more or getting ahead of another person. If we do this, life will be more enjoyable.