Olympic Perspectives

With the Winter Olympics coming to a close, I am somewhat sad.  Although most of the sports that are a part of the games are not a part of my warm weather culture, for two weeks every four years they are captivating. 

Let me begin by turning in my "man card".  One of the most fascinating events of this Olympiad for me was the Ice Dancing competition.  It is not an event that has ever been of interest before but for some reason caught my attention.  The performances were strong and the final night was incredible with the gold medal coming down to an incredibly close showdown between two pairs, it was truly electrifying.  This is what good competition is all about, rising to the occasion and pushing one another to greatness.  This also occurred in the women's figure skating competition which was extremely close with two champions pushing one another to a tremendous finish which was decided by a razor thin margin.

In Arkansas we don't get much snow, but most of us at least understand traditional alpine skiing events which are speed based, but where do they come up with some of these other things like moguls and skicross or the Nordic events such as ski jumping?  I will say that ski jumping has always been a favorite event of my winter olympic viewing.  I did not see very much of it during these games, but it never fails to captivate.  Even with how much I enjoy watching the ski jumps, I can't figure out how that one got started.  I suppose that there just isn't much daredevil in my soul.

Then there is curling.  Wow, that one grabbed my attention several years ago probably during another Olympic year, and now it is must see television.  A few months ago I wrote about how "The Joy of Painting" with Bob Ross is mesmerizing.  Curling, too, is mesmerizing it is so different that you can't help but become intrigued.  This Olympic season it became even more intriguing as the U.S. men's team began to take one of the most unlikely journeys ever from a 2 win, 4 loss start in pool play all the way to the Gold Medal.  As the old song "Young at Heart" says, "Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you. . . "  This year that fairy tale did come true for the five men who formed this team.

Now what does all this have to do with faith?  It all depends on how you look at it.  From my perspective each of the athletes who competed has dedicated themselves to their sport.  That dedication takes on many forms and requires daily preparation.  Could we as people of faith look to our Olympic favorites and put their discipline to practice in our lives?  Yes, and for such a greater cause.  If we spent time daily in the Word of God, intentionally seeking a greater understanding, then we could be better ready for the "competition" of daily life.  Those times when roadblocks and temptations are placed before us would not seem so daunting.  The opportunities we are given to share our faith would be a bit more comfortable.  The fine tuning of our bodies and minds would give us the physical and mental strength to carry on as soldiers for the cause of Christ.

Yes, the Olympics are concluding, but the lessons we learn can be something to propel us onward, if we put it in the proper perspective.  I hope you have enjoyed these Olympic games as much as I have, and more importantly I hope you can take the lessons of discipline and determination and apply them to your faith.  It is by daily walking with a disciplined approach to our faith that we will Make Today Great, each and every day!