More Than a Game.

Today was a long day.

Learning a new payroll system without proper training, trying to make sure my team gets paid correctly, answering questions no one seems to have answers for, and carrying the responsibility of doing things right can become mentally exhausting.

By the time I left work, I had a headache. I hadn’t finished all of my meals, and an energy drink wasn’t enough to replace the nourishment my body needed. As I drove home, I found myself thinking about something completely different.

Soccer.

The FIFA World Cup has been more than entertainment for me. It has reminded me that sports have a unique way of bringing people together. For a few hours, people from every language, culture, and background wear the colors of their homeland with pride. They celebrate together, cry together, and hope together.

To me, that has always been one of the most beautiful parts of the game.

Watching the tournament has also stirred something deep within me.

It has reminded me that I am Mexican.

No matter how many years I have lived in the United States, no matter how much life has changed, Mexico will always be the land where my story began. It is the country that gave me my language, my culture, my traditions, my family, and so many of the memories that shaped who I am.

Watching La Selección Mexicana play fills my heart with pride. I find myself cheering, celebrating every goal, and hoping alongside millions of other Mexicans. For a moment, distance disappears, and I feel connected to my homeland again.

At the same time, my heart is also filled with gratitude for the United States.

This country has given me opportunities, work, friendships, and a place to build my life. More importantly, it was here that I truly came to know Jesus Christ. It was here that I discovered His grace, His forgiveness, and the freedom that only He can give.

For that, I will always be thankful.

I have learned that loving the country where I was born does not take away from appreciating the country where God has allowed me to live.

The two can exist together.

As I watched the matches this week, I realized that soccer reminds us of something bigger than competition.

It reminds us that behind every jersey is a person.

Behind every flag is a family.

Behind every nation are people who laugh, cry, dream, and hope, just like we do.

Perhaps that is one of the reasons sports continue to unite millions of people around the world.

They remind us that, despite our differences, we all long to belong somewhere.

So yes, I will continue cheering for Mexico.

I will celebrate every victory, suffer every defeat, and dream like every fan dreams.

Who knows?

Maybe this will be the year.

And if not, I’ll still be proud to wear green, white, and red, grateful for the country that gave me life, thankful for the country that welcomed me, and above all, grateful to the God who has guided every step of my journey.

¡Vamos México! Y Si, Si?

—MC©️

Faith 2b Strong OnPurpose™️