Those who know me well, know of my passion for foosball, and those who have had the privilege of playing me, know that my skills for the game are quite laughable. Well my friends, I have a feeling that is all about to change now that I am (unofficially) a member of the San Antonio foosball circuit!
Sorry to disappoint all of you, but don’t expect to see my name featured in the Tornado World Championship Series’ roster (unfortunately my missionary salary does not include tournament entry fees and travel expenditures).
However on the drive home from my first FB tourney, as I attempted to wrap my head around my new endeavor, I began to notice some resemblances between foosball and life as a missionary. (Yes this idea is a bit “out there” but try to keep an open mind during the next few paragraphs).
1. Individual Style
Every FB player approaches the sport differently. Spending an ample amount of time getting to know which shot(s) fits best is the first step toward advancing beyond a beginner level. When a player becomes aware of their natural abilities and reactions to the game, it is much easier to tweak a shot into a unique style of play.
Every FB player approaches the sport differently. Spending an ample amount of time getting to know which shot(s) fits best is the first step toward advancing beyond a beginner level. When a player becomes aware of their natural abilities and reactions to the game, it is much easier to tweak a shot into a unique style of play.
The same is true of this experience as a missionary. Before departing to our sites, the other missionaries and I spent several weeks reflecting upon our strengths, weaknesses and cultural backgrounds. As we began to share our stories with each other, it became obvious that we all were all were taking different paths toward the same mission.
2. Letting go
During a match, the best FB players know how to just “let go”.
Not to let go to the table rod handles of course, but to their own self awareness. FB is too fast a game to think - the ball can move up to 45 miles per hour, so spending one second deciding the best way to defend a shot is not only a second wasted but more importantly, a point for your competitor.
It is said that excellent FB players enter into a mental state of Zen. They have prepared and practiced enough that they can simply allow themselves to happen and in so doing, truly be in the moment.
Not to let go to the table rod handles of course, but to their own self awareness. FB is too fast a game to think - the ball can move up to 45 miles per hour, so spending one second deciding the best way to defend a shot is not only a second wasted but more importantly, a point for your competitor.
It is said that excellent FB players enter into a mental state of Zen. They have prepared and practiced enough that they can simply allow themselves to happen and in so doing, truly be in the moment.
As a missionary and a FB player, this is my biggest obstacle. I waste too much time and energy setting unrealistic goals for myself and trying to make things happen, which often results in more frustration. Thankfully, I am coming to realize that the more I practice my "drills" (daily prayer and quiet reflection), the better I am at allowing myself to more wholly be in this moment.
3. Connecting
The FB player’s relationship with the table unquestionably affects the tone and outcome of the game. Champions play as if the table rods are extensions of their arms, thus allowing a player to more fully connect to each one of the eleven foosmen.
With this being said, there is an unspoken feeling of respect most players have for their tables, which is why you will never see a good FB player abuse the table by vigorously spin or pound their foosmen against the sidewalls.
Just like a FB player could not exist without a FB table, a missionary could not exist without her community. Each person contributes to making this experience one of growth, understanding and love. Moreover, I am thankful for each of my relationships to the children, mothers, sisters, co-workers and foozers in broadening my understanding of God’s love in action.
So as I continue to work on perfecting my “pull shot” as well as challenge myself to Let Go to who I am and who God has created me to be, I must make time to reflect on what it is that I wish to accomplish. Whether my goal is to master the “Pull Kick Bank off the far wall” or to simply learn from others, be with others, help others, be Christ to others and see Christ in other,s I realize that both objectives require that I remain patient with myself, and passionately faithful to the mission at hand.
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