And Let the Games Begin
The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics competitions are already underway in curling, women’s ice hockey and freestyle skiing. And, if we want to see the Opening Ceremonies (the official start of the Games) we can get our ring-side seat in our homes this morning at 6 am (in China, it is 8 pm).
This year’s Winter Olympics is unlike the norm where broadcasters and government officials from the U.S. are seated with a birds-eye view of it. To blame is Covid and more importantly is that President Biden’s administration imposed a diplomatic boycott citing the Chinese government’s ongoing genocide, other abuses and crimes against humanity. There are many underlying reasons for us to boycott the games even when it comes to watching from the comfort of our homes.
But, I can’t help myself. I want to watch the athletes who have given their lives to their sport from early ages, who set out to be their best in their talents and abilities. I’m always excited for the Olympics; I find the entire experience exciting….and comfortable from my cozy chair. I am offered a glimpse into remote cultures I wouldn’t otherwise know about, and they offer the chance to watch talented people score points in their skills. I also enjoy hearing the touching stories of the agonies and joys of athletes just making it to the games.
In 1986, we moved to Canada on a ministry mission. It was a 100% faith-venture for all of us, including my mom. We had no idea what the future would hold, but we knew Who held our future. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
I’ll admit the Winter Olympics are near and dear to my heart – not because of a particular athlete. I’ll cheer for my U.S. and Canadian teams to do well. We lived in Canada when our daughter, Staci, at age 18 was selected out of 8,500 Canadian vocalists to represent Canada as she sang a solo with David Foster’s Coca Cola World Chorus at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Yikes – talk about holding onto the past! That’s 36 years ago, and I’m still living there a bit as I watch this year’s Olympics. I think it’s okay to hold onto the past when we realize how God uses every step of our lives as an ingredient for our hope and future.
That Olympics experience meant we were there. My husband and I were two of many who loved their country with pride and joy for their athletes and entertainers. Being in the 13 degrees weather didn’t faze us because we were so taken with the camaraderie of the athletes as well as the fans that were there to root for their athletes. Yes, there were language and culture barriers, but we were one in spirit!
Fast forward to 2022 and I’m a homie – eating my popcorn and cheering our athletes on from my ring-side television seat. Is it okay to have a competitive spirit? I believe it’s absolutely OK to not just run a race or ski a slope, but it’s also OK to win it! God called us not to be mice, but to be warriors in the battle. In fact, He put it in our hearts to want to win – particularly when it comes to knowing our competition – the enemy of our souls!
“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. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” – Hebrews 12:2-3
God gave us gifts, abilities, perseverance, strong wills, and a desire for excellence and to represent our Divine Coach well. Now let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, and WIN!
GO Team USA and Team Canada!