For the past two weeks, our TV has been tuned to the
Olympics, watching the winter sports event from S. Korea. My love of the
Olympics began in elementary school, when one of my teachers introduced the
event to us. I love watching young people from all over the world compete
together in a spirit of good will.
There was a tipping point, over the years, when the athletes
were no longer older than me. This was not a happy moment! Instead of dreaming
about being an Olympic athlete (doesn’t everyone?!), there came a time when I “aged
out” of the Olympics (except for maybe the luge). The Olympics were reserved
for younger people who were dedicated in their commitment to better themselves
in order to be the best in their sport. Once they reached for the gold, it
seems they either became Olympic commentators, coaches, or simply slipped out
of the public eye.
As United Methodists, we know we don’t peak early in our
discipleship. John Wesley reminded us, we are “moving on to perfection.” But
for many of us, our continued growth as Christians slowed sometime early in our
lives. We have forgotten that every day is an opportunity to deepen our
spirituality, expand the sharing of God’s love, and follow more closely the
ways of Jesus.
This is the season of Lent, a time to prepare ourselves for
Easter through prayer, fasting, study and self-examination. It is a time of
Cross Training, of preparing ourselves for the risks of discipleship by
committing ourselves more fully to Christ and community, no matter what it
might cost us.
Whenever you enter worship, be prepared for a spiritual
workout. May your soul be stretched. May your heart discover that it can hold
still more love than you thought possible. May you fall head over heels in love
with God all over again, and then leave to put into practice what you’ve
learned.
The Christian walk is rigorous. It is demanding. It at times
feels as if we are pushed beyond what is comfortable or even possible. But keep
your eyes on the cross, and then the empty tomb. With God, nothing is impossible.
Dare to be your very best, for God’s sake. Day after day after day, dare to be
your very best self.
