“Sport teaches us that we can strive for the highest level without denying our own fragility; that we can win without humiliating others; and that we can lose without being defeated as individuals.”
– Pope Leo XIV
I think the last official athletic team I played on was the CYO boys basketball “b-team” in sixth grade where my career scoring record was set. That record was two points.
With that helpful context, I’ve been thinking now, in my mid-forties, and with hopefully less travel ahead, that some type of competitive sport might just be what the doctor ordered… specifically when he told me I needed to lose weight. My wife forwarded me a desperate plea for “any men over 40 who want to play soccer.” Thinking this might be my guardian angel intervening, I enthusiastically wrote to the organizer, expressing my interest and looking for some more information.
I guess my questions like “do I actually need to wear shin guards?” and “will someone explain the rules?” gave the coordinator some pause because rather than signing me up, he asked me a few questions of his own. “When was the last time you played?” and “how competitive were you in high school and/or college?” After responding that my last “competitive” game of soccer was when I was seven, the coordinator told me this “wouldn’t be good for either side.”
The response transported me back to middle school. While I didn’t expect to be an all-star, the invitation to “any men in their forties” sounded a little more inclusive than it really was. As I dealt with my crushing rejection, I couldn’t help but wonder how many times in life and leadership l had to extend an “open” invitation when my intention was more like scouting for MVPs. How authentically do I communicate what’s needed or required versus sharing the message I think is more attractive? How often am I disappointed with what my requests yield when my ask is really what leaves much to be desired? While it’s safe to say I would’ve been disappointing at soccer, am I open to letting others practice and demonstrate their potential before I bar them from even trying out?
Thankfully, I didn’t even have cleats to hang up. I’m moving on to pickleball.
As we move into this new week, let’s remember that to be competition-worthy in discipleship, we need to first see everyone as worthy to play.
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