Now What?

Yesterday morning, many of us got up early to watch ‘our’ team go for the gold. And they got it! (Hurray, Canada!!) Now it’s over. We won the hockey games, and did well – or even very well – in many other events. We’re proud of our Canadian Olympians. We screamed, "Go, Canada, go!” and they did. Now, the Olympians and we, the observers return to normal life. What have we all learned? Here are just a few thoughts for us to consider:

1. If you want to even be included in the race, it will require discipline and training. This applies to life in general, and more specifically to our Christian ‘race’:  "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)

2. Even great athletes (students, parents, teachers) often lose or mess up, and can learn to handle their disappointments and discouragements with grace, good sportsmanship and strong character.

3. Even countries (people, churches) that disagree on some things can lay aside their differences to come together for the accomplishment of a worthy task.

4. Our speed skater, Junio, gave his spot to Morrison, showing us that we can set aside envy, pride and self for the sake of ‘the team’.

5. Canadian coach Wadsworth demonstrated care and respect for a Russian skier when he gave him a ski so that he could finish the race with dignity. That kind of character is something we should strive for in our Canadian Christian community.

As Canadians, we can leave these games knowing that the world sees Canada as a worthy contender in winter sports, but more importantly, as a country where selflessness,  respect and the dignity of the individual still exist.

C. Cole