All around the world, eyes are riveted on the events in Vancouver – the 2010 Winter Olympics. Jeff and I were watching the other night as the female snowboarders competed in the Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe Finals. Americans Hannah Teter and Kelly Clark, both previous Gold Medal winners, took the silver and bronze medals, respectively. The gold medal went to Australian Torah Bright.
What an exciting, yet frustrating, night. We watched these talented young women jump, flip, and spin in hopes of attaining the gold. We watched the ipod karaoke . . . the mental determination . . . the strength and talent . . . and we watched the frustration of unmet personal expectations. But here’s the thing that made the greatest impression in my mind – the smiles. These girls smiled.
When the runs were over, and it was apparent they did not achieve their ultimate goal, they were still able to smile. No anger, no tears, no flinging of equipment. Just smiles. How does that happen? How do you spend years in preparation of an event, confident that you have what it takes to be the best, and then not fall apart when you don’t make it?
Could it be knowing, without a doubt, that you did your best? I believe these young women gave it all they had. They didn’t hold back, they put it all on the line, they truly went for the gold. Then life happened . . . and they moved on.
Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 (the Message) says:
“Seize life! Eat bread with gusto,
Drink wine with a robust heart.
Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!
Dress festively every morning.
Don't skimp on colors and scarves.
Relish life with the spouse you love
Each and every day of your precarious life.
Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange
For the hard work of staying alive.
Make the most of each one!
Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!”
Life is filled with failure, disappointment, and sadness. I’m not advocating a mindless denial of this fact. That reality needs to be addressed and dealt with. Solomon knew this very clearly when he penned Ecclesiastes. Solomon spent the majority of his life training for “the gold”. He was known for his wisdom, his wealth, and his writings. But in his old age Solomon floundered and fell. He lost his integrity, the respect of his people, and his dreams.
But the counsel of this wise man, familiar with failure, is clear. Live life without a net. No regrets, no “what-ifs”, no “if-onlys”. Go for the gold.
Tami Cinquemani
I think you captured the heart of God for his people. I love it.
ReplyDelete