A Thing of Beauty

Every four years, soccer takes the international stage with the World Cup.

It’s called the beautiful game.

When I was a kid, it was the boring game.

Too much running. Not enough scoring. How could anyone think a game that ended 0-0 was beautiful? 

But then in 1994, the United States hosted the World Cup and I found a newfound interest because my friends talked about it. In order to be part of the conversation, I had to watch the games.

I gained a new appreciation of the remarkable athleticism to make accurate passes and crisp shots that would barely clear the outstretched arms of a world class goalie.

I realized I was wrong. This is a beautiful game.

Hosting the World Cup gave a boost to soccer at all levels in our country. Over the last 30 years, the United States men’s soccer team has done well (never good enough to win the World Cup) and also had periods of disappointment. The women’s team has thrived, winning four World Cups since 1991.

This year, the United States, Canada, and Mexico are hosting. There’s a new sense of energy and excitement as the beautiful game comes to our country!

Being a host is an important responsibility. The stories that I’m drawn to are reactions from visiting fans.

Many of these guests had stereotypes about the United States. I love watching interviews with these visitors to our country who have had a change in perspective.

They, too, have been surprised at the beauty and ingenuity of the US way of life. There are legitimate things to criticize about the USA, but these visitors have embraced the one thing that makes our country unique: our people, our customs, and our blending of many cultures.  

I love how our country has embraced the guests and their unique cheers and pride for their nations. I love how Japanese fans have a custom of cleaning the stadium, even the section that the other team sat in. They even bring their own trash bags.  

These fans are consuming our culture and experiencing the United States way of life and it often surprises them. In many cases, they’ve misjudged who we are until they’ve had the opportunity to experience it for themselves. It also gives us a chance to learn and see how people from around the world can be so passionate about the beautiful game.

There’s beauty in the hospitality of an event like this. It’s a reminder that we shouldn’t take for granted how we welcome others.  

Next week, Forest Lake welcomes guests from all over who arrive for the 4^th of July parade on the 250^th birthday of our country. Graciously, we get to host and put our best foot forward for those who come to celebrate with us.

I hope we can take the lead from our experience hosting the World Cup, that an extra smile or a bit of patience in the midst of large crowds can make a positive impression on guests coming to our town.

Wouldn’t it be great if that attitude could continue, after the parade is done and when the soccer games are finished? It can. We can set the tone for how we care for each other. We can serve as an expression of our faith and pride in our home.

That’s a thing of beauty.

Pastor John Klawiter is the senior pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation in Forest Lake. For more information, email him at