Friday, August 8, 2008

8.08.08

Today is the first day of the Olympics. What an athlete goes through to prepare themselves for this competition is astounding to me.

My baby sister competed in gymnastics when she was little. She ooozes talent. She went to Bella Karoli's gymastic camp in Texas. She was Olympic material. Had she made that decision we would have supported her, but making that decision is a BIG one. These athletes give up their life to live the life of an athlete. More often than not, they leave their family to live and train with fellow athletes.

Watching those athletes in their discipline and perseverance makes me think about my relationship with God. God has so much to say about the race we run each day:

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? - Galatians 5:7 (This one has really been bothering me because I have had a couple of "whos" that I have allowed to cut in on me. They stole my joy and more importantly threw me off course.)

[ God Disciplines His Sons ] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 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. (The Bible is my course map and compass. Sometimes I actually forget to use it. - Hebrews 12:1 How can I be so silly? Of course, sometimes I get the sad reminder that there are people out there who consider the Bible to be just a book of stories and myths. How they manage their path without a compass I am not sure, but I will pray for them as I follow the "Word that is light to my path".)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. --2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have never been much of an athlete, but when it comes to races the one I am most concerned about winning is the way that is talked about in 2 Timothy. I want to finish the race having fought the good fight and having kept the faith.

Doing that is better than any Olympic gold medal.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

Good words sweetie. I adore those verses from 2nd Tim... such an encouragement.

Dr. Wifey said...

thanks for sharing

mayberry said...

Galatians 5:7 jumped up and bit me in the rear a while back too.

Good post Deanna and remember - you're not alone in the race. =)

black betty said...

amen, sista!

Confessions of A Mississippi Mom said...

A peaceful post, good one!

P.S. I love that photo you did for Dr. Wifey and hubby on the beach .... very sweet!!!

Deanna said...

Lizzy - I have those posted for my boys to see.

Wifey - You are very welcome!

Mayberry - I hate it when that happens. Boy am I so glad I am not alone. Thanks for the reminder.

Betty - Love you sisterchick!

MS Mom - I am so glad Wifey liked it. I create pics like that as gifts.

From the Doghouse said...

Quit stepping on my toes ...

Deanna said...

Doghouse - Oooops! Sorry!

Deanna said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lisa@BlessedwithGrace said...

Good post and very good point. Just finished watching the opening of the games and lighting of the flame. It was impressive, but our spiritual race is much more important. Thanks for reminding us.

Anonymous said...

Our spiritual race is quite the marathon. It takes determination, persistence, and the mental fortitude to keep our faith.

Anonymous said...

Our spiritual race is quite the marathon. It takes determination, persistence, and the mental fortitude to keep our faith.

Aunt Julie said...

Fighting the good fight and sticking to your guns is the best race to win. I totally agree with you!

Jane said...

Thank you for this post. There a couple of things that go on in my life that I get frustrated with. I always have to make an effort to remember my faith and allow God to just take over.

Carrie said...

I love 2 Timothy. Such beautiful words of inspiration! Thanks!