Watching the Winter Olympic Games brings out the imaginary athlete in me.
Do you ever find yourself sitting in front of the TV and mentally trading places with the athlete in the midst of the action? I’m sure some of you are athletic. Unfortunately, that’s not me. Sports just aren’t my thing. In fact, I was the slowest girl in junior high.
(Once I figured that out, I gave up on running altogether.)
So here I sit, feet propped up in the recliner, deciding which sport I would choose if I was athletic.
I could definitely see myself twirling gracefully across the ice, wearing a sparkly, sequin dress. Yes, figure skating would be a good choice for me.
And who could forget the team bobsled? Racing down the mountain at mock speed, letting someone else do the driving, of course. (Wouldn’t want to put too much pressure on myself.) Yes, bobsled would be a good choice, too.
Ski jumping would be a fantastic choice! Charging down the slope, taking off high into the air, soaring…soaring…soaring, then finally touching down with ease. I can certainly imagine that.
But there is one sport I would never pick – cross country skiing.
I do not mean to offend any cross country skiers. I'm amazed at them. It just seems like grueling work. Every muscle tensed, they dig their poles into the deep snow in an effort to propel themselves forward. It’s an uphill battle most of the way.
Sure, there are some downhill reprieves, but they are few. Is the look I see on each face agony or determination? Maybe it’s both. Either way, I definitely would not pick that sport.
Oh, but some days it feels as if I am right there with them, ski poles in hand. We have all been there, haven't we? Fighting the uphill battle while longing for a moment that we can coast downhill and take a much-needed break.
So, if we are all on this same trek, we need what every cross country skier has.
Dedication and stamina ensure a strong finish.
Preparation builds stamina, and effective preparation begins with developing a regimen of right choices.
Just as those incredibly fit athletes follow their daily regimens, we too must follow ours to be able to forge ahead with determination instead of agony. Here are three ideas that will prompt those of us just getting started, and serve as a reminder to those of us who are deep in the midst of the race:
Persistent, on-going prayer keeps us connected with God, even when we feel as if we’ve veered into uncharted territory.
Consistent daily reading of the Word, even if it’s just one simple scripture, plants a seed in the heart that grows into spiritual muscle.
Commitment to being led by the Holy Spirit in daily activities and interactions diverts us away from dangerous ground.
With these things in mind, I pray today that we will forge ahead with dedication and stamina to ensure a strong finish, meter by precious meter.
Kristine
Just for fun: Which sport would you pick? Click on the “Comments” tab to respond!
Simply scripture:
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 NKJV