The One Benefit From Knowing The Final Score

In just a week the World Cup will be over. Around that point, I might stop thinking about parallels between soccer and life.

For about 4 years. Then World Cup 2018 begins and all bets are off.

But that's a week from now, and my mind was at work today.

Yesterday I unfortunately discovered the final score on the Germany vs. France game before I had the chance to watch it.

Bummer.

I watched the game anyway, and it was well played by both sides. That said, the drama was (for me) missing. I knew who would win.

There was an upside too, though, and it got me thinking.

When you know you're going to win, there's nothing to worry about.

Duh. A tautology. That insight won't win me any prizes.

But it nevertheless reminded me of just how very often in life I worry pointlessly. It's rather pathetic, when you think about it.

The Soccer Game

A corner kick. Normally a nail-biter. I could get worried...

But I know the final score. I remain calm.

A yellow card and a free kick against my team. I could get upset...

But I know the final score. I remain calm.

Opponent blatantly flops. Referee falls for it. I could get upset...

But I know the final score. I remain calm.

Life

Something goes wrong in my day-to-day routine.

I know the final score, but I still get stressed and upset!

Someone wrongs me. Gets away with it.

I know the final score, but I still get stressed and upset!

On and on we could go. But it makes no sense. I shouldn't be worried.

But I am.

How stupid is that? But we all do it a lot.

Worst part? Jesus knew we would. That's why he repeats himself.

Matthew 6:25-34 (heavily abridged)
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry...
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes...
So do not worry...
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow..

We know how it all ends. Isn't it time we stopped worrying?

We should worry much less and risk much more. We're going to win.