I so enjoy the Olympics, whether winter or summer. Even though I I have never been involved in “curling” I find it fascinating to watch. I love the thrill of the high jumps and the speed of ice skating. Perhaps my favorite in the winter Olympics is couples figure skating. I love the grace, the elegance, the beauty, the strength involved. I find myself wanting to say “thank you” for contributing beauty to the world. For a brief moment in time, we are able to set aside right and left and see the fruit of hard work and dedication. In America, we are in such a politically divisive time, I am so very grateful that politics has mainly stayed away from the Olympic sports. Thank you to all of the Olympic athletes from around the world. You are a two week gift to us all. By the way, how about the JIBC connection with the Romanian Bobsleigh team, Beatrice Puiu! I feel sure she will sign autographs and do selfies with us when she returns.
The Beauty of the Christ Life
One thing I enjoy more than the beauty of the Olympics is the beauty of seeing the Christ life lived out. It is a work of grace and beauty to see a transformed life now being used by God to transform lives. It takes obedience, surrender, humility and inner strength. But to watch it in action is beautiful. It is like a vessel filled with a lovely, healing balm that is poured out at the right time, in the right way, with the right attitude. It is a simple cup of cold water…or a hot meal served to the homeless on Wednesday evenings and Sunday nights. It looks like befriending someone very different because they are in the image of God and Christ lives in them too. It looks like arms open wide to welcome back the prodigal and to celebrate the return. Hugging is not an Olympic sport but if it was JIBC would medal. If welcoming the broken were a sport, you would wear the gold! I love being on the team together with you. See you Sunday for another warm up!
Pastor Tom
Pastor Tom
