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

“Zoom Out”

In the movie adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic novel, Prince Caspian of the Narnia Series, the four Pevensie children – once kings and queens of Narnia – are magically returned to an unknown yet somewhat familiar place. (Those of you who have seen my classroom know I am a true Narnia buff.) As Susan, the eldest sister, finds a lone chess piece that once belonged to Edmond, the camera zooms out to reveal the vast ruins of Cair Paravel- the thriving, beautiful kingdom that once was.

Widening our view to the world around us is hard – especially when a tragedy in life has forced us to focus only on what affects us.

As God has firmly held onto my hand and gently guided me through the stages of grief these past few months, my internal camera lens has begun slowly zooming out, allowing me to see not only the influence Tonya had in the lives of so many, but also the loving kindness of other dear friends who have shown the same heartfelt commitment to me during this struggle.

Jesus is all we need – a fact we as Christians hold with certainty - but the beauty of that statement lies in the truth that sometimes God uses others in our lives to share the love that Jesus so willingly exemplified. During difficult times, if we listen carefully and look intently, we will see Jesus in the words and deeds of other believers.

The concern of a friend…. I could see it in the eyes of the sweet ladies at my church when they looked at me with deep compassion; I could feel it in their hugs as they whispered prayers of comfort; I could sense it in the messages received which reminded me they were there when I needed someone to understand.

I didn’t notice this concern at first. I wallowed too deeply in my own grief to be able to lift my head and see, but as God began the healing process in my heart, He used these friends to help restore my broken spirit. Now, with my camera lens focused from a new perspective, I can easily take in the beauty of life surrounding me, the hope of days to come, and how each moment… each picture… each “camera shot” is enhanced because of friends.

Thank you to my friends.

Simply Scripture:

“Then you would trust, because there is hope; And you would look around and rest securely.” Job 11:18 NASB

Think of a time when God brought you through a difficult situation and helped you see the “bigger picture”. Did Jesus show Himself as the “friend that sticks closer than a brother” in your life? Did you see traits of Godly character in the deeds of those close to you? I pray that by meditating on the simply scripture verse this week, God will bring these comforting words back to your remembrance the next time you find yourself weary from the labors of this life. God’s Word is our portion. Rest securely, dear friend.