Olympic Fever

I love the Olympics. I love to watch the gymnastics, diving, swimming, track and field, all of it! I enjoy cheering for America and being so proud (and choked up) when we win a gold and our national anthem is played and we see our flag being raised. It is truly inspiring.

The opening ceremonies of the Olympics last night were some of the most incredible and inspiring I have ever seen. What a joy to watch the faces of all the young, hopeful athletes as they made their way into Olympic Stadium. So full of excitement, joy and expectation for what the next days would hold for them. I can only imagine what it would be like. I loved seeing the different outfits each country wore and to see that even the smallest of countries sent delegates. The country of Georgia that is currently fighting the Russians was represented and their faces showed such determination. The Americans having a wonderful time, enjoying every moment.

One of the most touching moments to me was when the Chinese came in. Yao Ming carried their flag and beside him was this small little 9-year-old boy. Such a cutie. He was in one of the schools that was destroyed by the recent earthquake. He managed to free himself from the rubble and then went back to save many other students who weren't dead yet. When asked why, he said he was a hall monitor in his school and was considered a leader and it was what a leader would do. What maturity, selflessness and bravery. Once they made their way around the stadium, he seemed to be in the arms of different Chinese athletes. He seemed very much to be the hero of the night (he definitely was to me!).

As the torch went from one person to the next, it was carried by 8 different people to symbolize the date the Olympics started 8-8-08. The last person to carry it all of a sudden started to swing up into the air attached to a cable. He continued to run through the air in the most graceful of moves around the stadium. It looked as if he were running on the sides of the top of the stadium instead of in the air. It was incredible to watch. Once the torch was lit, the fireworks started. Such a display! They were the most incredible I had ever seen. Perfectly synchronized all the way around the outside of the stadium. Just breathtaking.

The spirit of the Olympics is so encouraging to me. To see people from all different nationalities, races, creeds and beliefs coming together in friendly competition. To watch those in the games not only competing against others, but competing against their best. To watch Torres swim as she did 24 years ago in 1984. (24 years! That is simply amazing to me). To do their best. To be the leaders - the heroes. To do what leaders do ~ Inspire, encourage, never give up and finish the race.

I am reminded of what Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:24 - 27).
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.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.
No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Corinth was located in Greece and the Isthmian games were held every two years. Games like the Olympics were known in this part of the world. Paul speaks of running in such a way as to get a prize. That everyone who competes goes into strict training. When you consider the way those competing in the Olympics train it is with their whole heart, body and mind. We are to compete and train the same way in our walk with the Lord. Not to compete against others, but to be the absolute best we can be. And when we are far too tired to go on anymore, when we want to give up and stop, we are to keep pushing it just that much more to obtain the prize. An everlasting prize.

May peace and safety be there for those competing in Beijing. May they compete in such a way as to win the race - to obtain the prize. I know I'm going to!