If you haven't caught the World Cup fever by now, then I'm sorry but I have.

I've never been big into sports but I love a theme and rooting for the und
erdog.  If you live (pretty much anywhere outside of the USA) soccer is everything right now.  Several months ago, we signed Benji up for soccer here in our neighborhood, with the hopes that it would help him (and me) make some new friends and run off some of his unending energy.  It's great because he can walk or ride his bike on his own to practice and it's low pressure stakes.  Our family has since hopped on the soccer bandwagon ---learning terms, players and teams.  With Ecuador participating in the World Cup, the country is fully devoted.  Just look at the stands for any of the games we've played and you'll see a predominant sea of yellow.  I still don't really understand all the technicalities and rules but after our first two games where we either lost or tied, it came as a pleasant shock to watch them beat Germany 2-1, thus securing a spot in the next group.  You would think that we had won the final of the World Cup by the amount of shouting, celebrating and surging patriotic pride!  The President of Ecuador even declared the next day a holiday in honor of the win!  

You could feel the joy in the air following the win.  

What if we cheered for something far greater than a goal in a soccer match?  One of the things I love about Young Life, is how we cheer on kids.  In contact work, leaders cheer on kids in their schools or activities, showing up in their daily lives.  At club, we cheer excessively for kids in silly games that we've made-up.  In camp, the cheer is greatest when we celebrate kids making a decision for Christ in their life.  

You may recognize a country for the jersey they wear, the chant they yell in the stand or for their antics in the street.  What if we, as Christ followers were recognized for the way we cheer on each other in love?  What if the color we wear is hope?  

"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for your; compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.  Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.  And regardless of what else you put on, wear love.  It's your basic, all-purpose garment.  Never be without it."  Colossians 3:12 (MSG)

You're part of the team!  Cheer somebody on today.  

Let's go Ecuador!