World Cup: Personal Passion

Maybe it’s the vuvuzelas—the South African horns that filled the air with continual excitement and an atmosphere of competition. Maybe it’s the 32 countries that unify and comprise the field. Maybe it’s the creation of an icon. Maybe it’s the hunt for heroics and last-second comebacks. Maybe it’s the pursuit of a dream. Maybe it’s the epitome of success and failure at the highest level and on the biggest stage. Maybe it’s taking part in something bigger than yourself. Maybe it’s the passion, prestige and pride of a nation.

Whatever it is that fuels the fire of the fan-following, and ignites the love of the spectacle known as the World Cup, it is noteworthy. Some argue that the World Cup is the largest event in all of sports—rivaling the Olympics. Though some may teeter on the fine line of being an enthusiast or an extremist of the beautiful game, but at the core of it all is a deep fervor that isn’t present in our daily living.

Too often we stroll through life drudgingly, and seemingly lifeless. At work we merely punch the clock. At the grocery store, we attempt to go unnoticed. On the bus we try to minimize our superficial conversations and keep to ourselves. At home we simply eat, sleep, and run through the rat race of life again—with little or no genuine concern for others as we pass through this world.

But athletics, most notably the World Cup, provide an example to emulate. Sports provide a medium in which emotion is evoked and life is lived. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart…” Therefore, may we transcend social norms and start to live. May we take the examples of the fans of the World Cup, bottle the emotion, and apply that same passion in our daily living. May we be intentional with our families. May we be vulnerable, open, and pliable to our friendships. May we be encouragers of strangers. May we refuse to be lifeless any longer. May we be considerate in our conversations and commitments. May we no longer allow trivial and petty issues to rob our strength and energy. May we be an example for others this day, this hour, this moment.

Editorial