Playing In The First Game

PLAYING IN THE FIRST GAME of a championship can make any team a little nervous. But in 1999, Mia Hamm calmed the U.S. National soccer team’s fears as it entered World Cup competition.

With 78,972 fans at Giants Stadium—the largest crowd ever to view a women’s sporting event—the Americans faced Denmark in the opening round. After 15 minutes of scoreless, chaotic play, the United States settled into a groove.

Brandi Chastain kicked a long pass to Hamm. Deftly dribbling the ball, the former North Carolina All-American cut back on Denmark’s Katrine Pedersen just to the right of the goal. Using her left foot, she volleyed the ball into the top of the net.

Witnessing their star player score the first goal, her 110th in international matches, brought the United States team a sense of calm and control. Although the Americans missed several second-half chances to put away the game, the Danes eventually succumbed to the pressure of the relentless U.S. attack.

In the 73rd minute, Hamm sent a ball across the goal box to Julie Foudy. Julie controlled the ball and shot it into the net from ten yards away for America’s second score. With a minute remaining, Kristine Lilly iced the contest with a goal from the top of the box to make the final score 3–0.

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POINT Sometimes on the field, diamond, course, or court, athletes grow too excited and anxious to perform well. Nerves can cause the better team to lose. But the great ones in sports stay cool. Their heart may be thumping on the inside, but the exterior exudes calm.

The psalmist in the Bible knew the value of calmness. He wrote that we should take time to quiet ourselves and think of God’s majesty. Often we’re too busy or too nervous or have our mind going a million miles per hour, so we’re unable to focus on God. But it’s during those busy times that we need to be still.

GOAL! Go outside to a calm, peaceful place or stay inside and turn off the TV, CD player, or anything making noise. Sit in the quiet as you let yourself slow down. Ask God to help you focus on his exalted glory.