The 2016 Rio Summer Olympics Are Upon Us

I’ve always loved watching the Olympics, so I’m excited about the Opening Ceremonies this Friday night, followed by the games and events for the next two weeks. Whether we're from the USA, Canada, or another country, we have one thing in common -- it's cheering for our “home team”! Regardless of nationality or country, seeing the sheer will and determination of those athletes who have staked their life upon winning at their sport, is so inspiring.

I really enjoy watching the games, but even more so, hearing the stories of those athletes who were relentless in their training, making personal sacrifices and overcoming so many adverse circumstances just to get to the games.

Nothing displays the drama of Olympic achievement like gymnastics. Okay, I’ll admit – that’s my favorite to watch. Seeing those young men and women who have devoted their lives to such a grueling sport, and considering how they are judged for perfection. Whew! I can’t even imagine being on display like that. 7.5; 8.8; 9.8 – in a matter of minutes, their hours upon hours of uncompared devotion to their sport, comes down to a fraction of a point to win.

In the last Summer Olympics of 2012, we were introduced to, and fell in love with, 16-year old, Gabby Douglas – a spitfire, outspoken Christian witness of her faith, who went on to become the Best All Around Gymnastics Gold medalist. I'm excited that she's back this year, as a 20-year old -- competing again. Though she had put in the hard work and diligence, when she won in 2012, she didn’t assume that it was just her skill that caused her to win. When a reporter asked “How do you feel?”, Gabby said, "Being an Olympic Champion is definitely an amazing feeling, and I give all the glory to God. It's a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him -- the blessings fall down on me!"

I love that. Isn’t that the way we should feel and then express it to others. As a Mom or Dad, if someone asks you “How do you feel?” Or, as a student or careered achiever….”How do you feel?” Shouldn’t our response be like Gabby’s “Being a Mom/Dad/student/businessman/teacher/lawyer, etc., is an amazing feeling…..AND I give God all the glory. It’s a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him – the blessings fall down on me!”

Whether we are pursuing gold medals or not, shouldn’t we be giving everything we’ve got in attitude, drive, determination and relentless pursuit to be the best God made us to be? Then I know for sure…..one day, we we will be hearing “WELL DONE, good and faithful servant, enter into my rest”……where there is a GOLD crown waiting for us at the FINISH LINE!

Being a Show Off

Yesterday, was officially the first day of Summer, Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, and, to throw a big whoop-la celebration, our Creator made it to be extra special as it conincided with a full moon in a rare event that hasn't be seen in nearly 70 years. It also featured a full "strawberry" moon -- the name comes from the belief that strawberry-picking season is at its peak during this time of the year. What preciseness it took for God to Master-plan that one! What a "show-off" He is! Genius....to put it mildly!

Here we are on Day 2 of Summer. Summer is a season of long sunshine and heat-filled days — memories made at the pool and lake, vacation travels, camp-outs, grilling and lots of ice cold drinks and good times spent with friends.

One of my all-time favorite times is when it's an Olympics year. I'm thrilled that this is the year for the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from August 5 to 21, 2016. I'm already counting the days -- it's one of my favorite times -- seeing those determined and skilled athletes "show off" what they can achieve from the dedication and hard work that got them there.

Hmmm -- showing off. God, and His artistry, and the Olympics with those talented athletes. Is there a way we can show off, too? We get to "show off" how much we can be like our Creator. He loves us so much that He purposefully gave us a "sun and moon" show, but that's not the real "show-stopper". He gave us His one and only Son to be our Savior. And what does He ask of us? To love Him back and love our neighbors, our friends, our world as much as we love ourselves.

I started thinking about that -- being intentional with loving and caring about others. Intentionality doesn’t have to mean a ton of time. Maybe, intentional with a text message to someone to tell them they are loved or a few words about a prayer we've said for them.

Sometimes we just need to pick up the phone. I know. I know. There's just not enough hours in the day to get into a drawn-out telephone conversation, but there are times when a friend's face or name pops up in our minds, and that may be God's way of showing us they need a friendly and warm call.

Sometimes we are so busy with our plans that we have blinders on to others who may be yearning for community. And the thing is, many times it would be so easy to just engage someone in a conversation that opens the door for them and us to find a new, close friend.

We’re all busy. But if busyness is preventing us from "showing off" our love and compassion for others, then we're just too busy.

Maybe this lazy, hazy days of Summer could actually turn out to be the most show-stopping, exhilarating, thrilling and BLESSED summer EVER, when we become more Creator-like, creating friendships and relationships that matter....in the light of eternity.