The countdown to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics is only a day away as I write this. Oh, how I love the Olympics! I was captivated with them as a kid and would create “figure skating” routines twirling and jumping across our living room, entirely caught up in what announcers have titled “the Olympic spirit.” It’s as if for two weeks the whole world hits pause and a renewed joy radiates worldwide. Newspaper headlines showcase stories of individuals who overcome adversity, represent their country and families, and who demonstrate the athletic abilities they have trained and dedicated themselves to for years.
I still get chills thinking about last summer’s games when the Fiji men’s rugby team sang a hymn together after winning the gold or the moment that the high jumpers from Italy and Qatar decided to share the gold medal and collapsed into each other’s arms in ecstatic celebration.
And just a few weeks ago, speed skater Erin Jackson slipped during qualifiers, so teammate Brittany Bowe gave up her spot in the 500m race so Erin could go to the Olympics. What beautiful moments to give us a glimpse of the gospel and remind us that this world is filled with love. Moments where the Olympic spirit is moved by the Holy Spirit!
Maybe that’s one reason Paul used so many sports analogies in his apostolic letters? They resonate differently. I like how The Message version paraphrases 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; it says, “You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.”
That last sentence caught my attention. How often do we spend our days telling others about Jesus, training our children for the spiritual race, but then neglect our own endurance training? Gordon MacDonald said, “We often enter the chamber to meet with God while we are still emotionally out of breath.”
Yikes! But isn’t it amazing that we “train” by resting at the feet of Jesus? No burpees required! Today my prayer is for renewed strength, refreshed souls, and a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, a spirit of Olympic proportions. As you run with endurance the race that has set before you, may you press on towards the prize and finish the race with enough juice left to give it a victory lap.
Kelli Wasemiller is Dakota Conference education superintendent and children’s ministry coordinator.
