The Japanese men’s national football team did something unexpected after losing to Belgium.
Right after their heartbreaking loss to Belgium last week, the players cleaned up and left behind a note that said: “спасибо” (Russian for “thank you”) in their locker room. Team Japan gave us a lesson in grace, and how to act.
Throughout the World Cup team, Japan has been displaying good sportsmanship on and off the pitch; concluding with a team bow to their fans in gratitude.
Being thankful isn’t just for Thanksgiving. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Often times we can find ourselves overwhelmed with stress and complain about it. Instead, we should give thanks for the things we have, and for the fact that we are able to see another day. Team Japan easily could have complained about the match, or have a sore loser attitude. However, they did not. They were thankful for the opportunity to patriciate in the knockout stage of the World Cup.
There’s always a positive twist on things. Can you think of ways to meditate on the concept of thankfulness? What are some opportunities that you are thankful for?
