My first experience with a competitive level tournament was a shock (remember, I didn't start officiating soccer until I was in my 50's). They assigned me as an AR (linesman) to a U-17 girls match. When the whistle blew, the ladies just took off on the attack. I found myself TRAILING the play. Fortunately, the ball went out-of-touch and I was able to catch up. The center referee gave me a look as if to say, "Are you going to be able to handle this?" I assured him I could, but I was hard pressed.
I'm finding more and more that I have to use my "smarts" more than my speed, especially as I officiate older youth soccer. It's a matter of anticipation and reading the play. There are still times when I have to chug down field. I do okay, but there's usually a price to be paid after the match is over!
I am also a witness to an older generation that is starting to pass. These fine men and women are now having to cope with advancing age. Bodies are failing. Minds are working more slowly. I realize that this is just the "way of all men;" but I can see the frustration. I've experienced the frustration as my mind says "Go" and my body says "No."
In Psalm 90:12, Moses penned "Teach us to number our days so that we might present to Thee a heart of wisdom." Scholars believe that Moses was in the twilight of his life when he wrote this psalm. Most of his companions from the Exodus were now gone. As he looks back over the history of his life, he reminds us that, indeed, our days are limited.
Carpe Diem! It's not just for speakers of ancient Latin. It's a rallying cry for all of us. "Seize the day!"
1 Samuel 13-15
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