Had this sent to me this week

regards

Col
Friday, June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

I was shattered last Tuesday. You know, World Cup Soccer.  The ecstasy and the agony - it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. For the first time ever Australia was in the final 16 teams - we were put on the world map! Until now, people wondered "Soccer Who?" Now, everybody's screaming, "Socceroos! Socceroos!"

Our boys took on 3 times world champions Italy and gave them a run for their money - went toe to toe with them with heads held high. Until the dying seconds at extra time. Then disaster.  

 

We couldn't believe it - it can't be right; it was an accident; our defender slipped and the striker tripped, how can it be a penalty? It was absolutely outrageous. Unfair. Dead wrong. Downright cruel. 

 

We were all shattered. Broken hearts and shattered dreams filled the stadium. The streets. The whole continent of Australia.  So near, yet so far.....

 

All eyes were now on the Socceroos. How will they react?  What they said and did did us proud. Of course they were gutted.  Devastated yes, bitter no. They would learn from this bitter lesson and become even better for the next world cup in South Africa in 2010 - that's the true aussie spirit! That's what champions do. They don't get bitter, they get better. Watch out, world - the Socceroos are coming your way, you ain't seen nothin yet!

 

We can learn a vital lesson from the Socceroos. Life can be pretty unfair and sometimes you get penalized for something you didn't do. But we need to roll with the punches. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going! We must learn to respond, not react. Don't allow disappointments to make you bitter; work through them to become even better next time. Yes, in God there are lots more "next times" - so be strong and press on with Jesus.