Ways To Give

The Greatest Goal? Henderson vs Crosby

Written by Neal Black

“I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands.” (Psalm 31:14-15, NLT)

As we headed outside for some fresh air after the “Golden Goal” a man saw my Canada jersey and said, “I guess Mr. Crosby made your day. Maybe your year!” The euphoria was amazing and the patriotism was over the top. People talking to me on the street, cars honking and waving, flags proudly displayed! I loved it!

But was it the greatest goal? Paul Henderson’s winning goal in the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union may still be the best. That whole series was “us” vs “them”, capitalism vs communism. It was the first real challenge to the supremacy of Canadian hockey players. Back in ’72 we were in the cold war. It was a cultural battle that many believed was between the right and wrong way to govern. We were free, the USSR was behind the Iron Curtain. For many people, there was a lot more than hockey being contested on that ice.

Ironically, Paul Henderson didn’t get to see part of this Sunday’s game between Canada and the USA. You might think the hockey legend would be glued to the screen, or possibly catching the game from the good seats at Canada Hockey Place. But he wasn’t. Henderson missed part of the game because he was speaking at a Weekend to Remember marriage conference for FamilyLife. On all day when every Canadian was a hockey fan, why would he of all people miss part of the game to teach about marriage?

To Paul, the greater goal, is a healthy marriage. At the conference he clearly articulated that at the centre of a healthy marriage is a relationship with Jesus Christ. On a Sunday when many debated which was the greatest goal Paul made a clear statement. Marriage with God at he centre is really the “Golden Goal.”

For some of us, a single moment will set the course of our lives. For Henderson and Crosby, it was a moment of greatness, for others it is a moment of tragedy. Are people like Henderson and Crosby destined for greatness? Or are they simply in the right place at the right time? You can explore the concept with Erwin McManus in his videos on craving destiny, and maybe even share them with a friend.

“As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”" Romans 10:11

Has there been a single, defining moment in your life? Tell us about it in the comments.

Tags: 1972, destiny, Family, God, hockey, LIFE, marriage, Men, neal black, olympics, Paul Henderson, success, winning goal, Women, World

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