Winter Olympics 2018

The 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeonChang, South Korea, have come to a close.  It seems that those 18 days of competition have been a respite from the turmoil in the world as athletes have shown how, win or lose, we can thrive together.

Some observations:

* It takes dedication, hard work, sacrifice, and desire to make the Olympic team.

* Even after broken bones, fractures, stitches, and sprains, athletes are passionate about doing whatever it takes to compete again.

* The host country does their best to promote and accommodate the athletes, coaches, sportscasters, and spectators.

* Any individual or team can win on any given day.

* Athletes cheered on teammates and other participants from their country.

* I’d really like to know where some mothers were the day their child first tried the sport they are now excelling in!

* I admire the hope and support expressed by countries that send and support athletes, even though they have never won a medal in any Olympic competition.

* It’s important to go full speed when approaching and crossing the finish line.

* Keep your attention and focus on the finish line and not on your opponent.

* A cross-country team sprint race, that covers miles, can be won by 0.19 of a second and less than the length of the ski.

* Athletes give their all and then still give that extra push at the end.

* Medal winners were quick to thank and honor their parents, coaches, and teammates for helping them achieve their goals.

* Respect and appreciation matter.

* It’s not worth the risk of trying to win or be the best if illegal or dishonest measures are used.

* Even with the cheers of the crowd, it’s important to focus and not lose sight of the task at hand.

And each day we have the opportunity to be an active participant in the game of life.  With our eyes fixed on Jesus, may we willingly run the race marked out for us.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Acts 20:24

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7