Ouch, Tough Loss!

My son’s favorite futbol player in the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Portugal, lost on Monday. Portugal packed their bags and headed home.

Then later that night, the USA lost 4–1 and couldn’t seem to get much going, except for one penalty kick that went their way.

Ouch. Tough losses on Monday.

It was one of the first times I watched my ten-year-old son get emotional and sad about his favorite players and teams losing. At one point, he actually hid under a pillow for a few minutes, just taking the loss in.

Yes, it was just a game. And yes, he moved on the next day just fine.

But still, it was an experience of loss.

It was real. It was tough. And it reminded me that loss, even when it seems small to someone else, can feel heavy to the person carrying it.

We all experience loss throughout our lives. Some losses are obvious and life-changing. Others are quiet, ordinary, and easy to overlook. But they still shape us.

Maybe you are experiencing the loss of a season of life you held dearly.

The loss of a family member or close relationship.

The loss of space, routine, or familiarity because of a move.

The loss of a job, opportunity, or dream you had been hoping for.

The loss of time with people you love.

The loss of health, energy, confidence, or peace.

The loss of access to someone or something that used to be normal.

Or maybe it is simply the loss of your keys, wallet, or something valuable. This week, I literally found a wedding ring in the couch that my brother-in-law had given me as a hand-me-down. He was very happy to get his wedding ring back after losing it three years ago.

Loss is strange like that. Sometimes it is deep grief. Sometimes it is a missing ring in the couch. Sometimes it is a ten-year-old boy under a pillow because his team is going home.

So, what loss might you be experiencing right now?

Take a PAUSE.

Breathe deeply a few times and check in with your body.

How is your soul experiencing loss?

Name it honestly before the Lord. Give your emotions, experiences, and thoughts to Jesus Christ.

He is here with you.

As you close this pause and head back into your day, receive this good news:

Jesus is not distant from your loss.

He entered into our grief, carried our sin and sorrow to the cross, and rose again so that loss will not have the final word. And because of Him, one day every pillow-covered face will be lifted, every tear will be wiped away, and all who belong to Him will finally gain what we have all been waiting for - a new era where there will be no more loss.

Have a great day and may the best team win the World Cup.