Another Olympics Completed

Well, the Vancouver Winter Olympics have come to a close.   For two weeks, it provided us with excitement, motivation, heartbreak, and a broad spectrum of emotions.   Much-deserved congratulations to all athletes who were able to meet their Olympic goals; but, also thanks for the efforts of even those who met disappointment instead.  I especially applaud those who exhibited the characteristics of good sportsmanship and worthy championship.

In the closing ceremonies, it was interesting to see the contrast between the casual pop-culture program in Vancouver and the serious classical-culture program of the next Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.  I do wonder what it will be like 4 years from now.   It seems like a long time away; but, I'm sure that there are many who are already preparing to fulfill their Olympic dreams in 2014.

Yesterday, I also concluded the "Colossians - Being in Christ" study in my class.  The analogy of the Christian life to that of an athlete fits well - being part of the "team" of believers in the Body of Christ; representing the Kingdom of God, of which Christ is King; staying connected to our source of strength and life; not allowing anything to disqualify us for the prize or reward; setting our hearts and minds on the "goal"; and being devoted to prayer, knowing that it takes more than just our own preparation and hard work.