Olympics

Things that went right today:

1) In the 40's today. The big thaw begins.
2) Daughter got her learner's permit.
3) Son's relay team earned a medal at the state high school swim meet.


This week the Winter Olympics are on. We've enjoyed gathering together as a family to witness incredible feats of skill and contests of will. I had the privilege as a teenager to attend a few Olympic events when the games were held in Los Angeles. I will never forget the thrill  and electric energy in the room when the USA won an event. The roar of the crowd was deafening and it was nearly impossible not to get caught up in the moment and feel proud to be an American.  Most of us do not personally know these athletes, but yet we feel a connection to them somehow. What is it about the games that so inspires us?

Perhaps it is the chance to live vicariously. Many of these sports are beyond our personal limits either physically, geographically, or financially. Most of us in truth lead rather ordinary lives. We have neither the time nor the inclination to go to the extreme lengths required to become the absolute top achievers in the events of our lives. The courage and sacrifice these athletes demonstrate to reach such levels is hard to understand really. What drives them to put off school or marriage? To deny themselves social lives. To spend so much money and often move away from parents and friends? To push their bodies to the limits. To suffer injuries and pain and demoralizing defeat sometimes. And then pick themselves up and go back for more. I'm not sure what motivates certain people to reach so high while the rest of us are content with average. But I am so glad they do. Because when I watch them beat the odds, overcome the obstacles, and make their dreams come true it brings me joy!  It gives me a little borrowed courage to maybe try something that feels impossible for me currently. If they can do it maybe I can too right? It reminds me of how powerful the human spirit can truly be. That when we have faith and match that with hard work amazing things can happen.  As the gold medal is placed around another woman's neck I dig in to find the will to take a baby step of my own. My future marathon may begin today with a tentative run around the block. As the tears roll down that young man's face when he receives the reward for all of his years of effort, I sense the importance of the little things I do each day that are building toward larger goals. And I discover the strength inside to press onward too. These athletes remind us that greatness really can be attained. They open a window to the best of ourselves and encourage us to let it shine. Even in their defeat they display grace and determination and good sportsmanship. Often these losses reveal to us their hearts and their characters and teach us the greatest lessons of all. It is not just about winning so much as about testing the boundaries of human potential and the love of the sport. Oh that we could all live each day with that much passion. I am thankful today for these amazing athletes and the gifts they give to the world. The gifts of example, national pride and the fun of the game.