Does anger have a place in the sporting world? It most certainly is there. Some coaches routinely use anger to motivate. Often anger is an unplanned response to circumstances that arise. In these circumstances anger can be ugly, mean and frequently violent. So it’s not surprising that growing Christian athletes try to avoid anger.
But remember, Jesus Himself displayed anger at times. Lashing out at the religious hypocrites and literally lashing out on those that turned His Father’s house into a “den of thieves”. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4 to be angry, but do not let the sun go down on that anger...meaning not to foster it in our hearts. There are several other passages though that instruct us to turn away from anger. So the reality is that anger is a delicate emotional balancing act.
Years ago I was watching a MN Twins game from center field. A Yankee homerun was followed by the slowest ever trot around the bases. When this hitter came back up in the rotation the catcher called a brush back pitch. I can’t remember if the pitch hit the batter but there were very intense, angry words spoken between the catcher and this hitter which soon evolved into the inevitable baseball bench clearing brawl. The next day I was talking to my good friend who was the chaplain for the team and the personal spiritual mentor for that catcher, Brian Harper, a very solid Christian. Tom relayed to me that before “Harp” called that pitch...he prayed. Prayed for wisdom and the ability to make the right call.
Sometimes in sport anger and retribution do have a place, but they must be controlled and calculated. When one loses emotional control that’s when sin rushes through a very wide open door. Whether you’re a coach that wants to move players to a new level or simply an athlete reacting to the moment, anger can be a powerful tool if it’s contained and used deliberately.
It’s a good thing that Galatians 5.22-23 tells us that one of the fruits of the Spirit is SELF-CONTROL. In emotional times we certainly need to walk with God and let Him empower us to do the right thing for the need of the moment.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Friday, November 15, 2019
Are You Seeing God?
What is the main thing in life? I’ll admit I easily get sidetracked. Living in such a cool place and pursuing amazing sports as I do in triathlon, skimo and xc ski racing, there is a constant battle for my heart’s affection. But that main thing is knowing Christ. KNOWING CHRIST. That’s it. By far the most significant reason for our being created and put on this planet.
And central to this pursuit is the reading of the Bible. God’s word to us. Words of power, truth, revelations of who God is and promises to us, His kids.
In his book, “When I Don’t Desire God”, John Piper relates that the fundamental reason that the word of God is essential to joy in God is that God reveals Himself mainly by his word. In 1 Samuel 3.21, it says, “The Lord appeared,” but God was seen not with eyes in the head but with the eyes of the heart. It further says, “This happened by the word of the Lord.” So as the word was heard, the Lord was seen. In reading, there was seeing...the Lord was seen. And this is why reading of the Bible is so critical to our pursuit of God.
The first guy I ever mentored in my first ministry assignment at MI Tech was all star QB David Walters. I clearly remember him telling me about his new found faith and that it would be so much easier if God would just appear and in an audible voice show Himself. Since this was over 30 years ago my memory of my rookie ministry advice is a little hazy, but for sure I’d tell him this... God HAS appeared and clearly revealed Himself... let’s start reading!
And central to this pursuit is the reading of the Bible. God’s word to us. Words of power, truth, revelations of who God is and promises to us, His kids.
In his book, “When I Don’t Desire God”, John Piper relates that the fundamental reason that the word of God is essential to joy in God is that God reveals Himself mainly by his word. In 1 Samuel 3.21, it says, “The Lord appeared,” but God was seen not with eyes in the head but with the eyes of the heart. It further says, “This happened by the word of the Lord.” So as the word was heard, the Lord was seen. In reading, there was seeing...the Lord was seen. And this is why reading of the Bible is so critical to our pursuit of God.
The first guy I ever mentored in my first ministry assignment at MI Tech was all star QB David Walters. I clearly remember him telling me about his new found faith and that it would be so much easier if God would just appear and in an audible voice show Himself. Since this was over 30 years ago my memory of my rookie ministry advice is a little hazy, but for sure I’d tell him this... God HAS appeared and clearly revealed Himself... let’s start reading!
Friday, October 4, 2019
CHAPLAIN: EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT
Because I’ve had several Sport Ministry people and sport chaplains ask me about my team talk, I decided to post it here in this blog. Use it however you please!!
When you hear the word "chaplain" I wonder what comes to mind? Maybe an old guy wearing a clerical church collar... of course if you know me at all, a sports chaplain, you know you're more likely to see me wearing Gore-Tex or Lycra!
The concept of a chaplain has been around for hundreds of years. It began as a military service and really came into prominence during World War I. Actually in World War II the chaplaincy unit sustained the second highest casualty rate second only to infantry. The reason for the high casualty rate, even though for the most part chaplains are unarmed non-combatants, is because chaplains are where the needs are. Whether that is in the foxholes, trenches, etc. The reason why we have military chaplains in the first place is because soldiers have unique needs and unique lifestyles. Athletes are very similar, they have unique needs and unique lifestyles, and that is why you’ll see sport chaplains trailside, trackside, in locker rooms and wherever the athletes and coaches are.
Let me share four ways a sport chaplain can be a resource to you:
1) A NEUTRAL LISTENING EAR
We all have a need at times to be heard...to have someone simply listen to us. It’s a bonus when that listening ear doesn’t have a stake in whether or not you make a team, competition trip or a starting line up. When you feel truly listened to it can feel awesome to know someone is simply a witness to the struggle and situation you’re dealing with. Plus, verbalizing what you’re going through can aid your own perspective of the situation.
2) HELP IN TIMES OF TRAGEDY
While we certainly hope that the worst of situations won’t happen to us or our teammates, life does happen and it can sometimes be very painful and tragic. Usually these times are not on our radar and can catch us off guard. Personally, I’ve been a part of the RCMP’s Victim Services Unit for well over ten years. We’re the ones that come alongside a police officer and help the loved one or victim deal with a personal tragedy. This can include practical helps (making sure immediate physical needs are met), helping someone take the next step (especially if they’re frozen in grief), or helping a grieving person deal with their pain, shock and unanswered questions. It’s important to know that everyone grieves in their own unique way. A chaplain can help facilitate and affirm one’s own grief process.
3) SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Everyone has a belief system, or you could call it a faith system..something that helps us understand and cope with life. Because athletes have these unique needs and unique lifestyles it’s difficult to have spiritual needs met in traditional ways. A chaplain can be a personal mentor, small group facilitator or prayer partner. A chaplain would never force their own personal belief system upon anyone but would provide a safe place for you to explore yours.
4) LIFE SKILLS FOR YOUR LIFE SKILLS TOOLBOX
It never hurts to have another voice guiding and advising when life throws a roadblock your way. Teamwork challenges, relational challenges, financial issues, the list goes on and on. Sometimes it’s nice to have someone share their perspective of your life and the current challenge you are facing to help you see clearly and deal with it successfully.
So there you have it, the four resources a sport chaplain can provide. For sure there are more, but undergirding all of these is the desire to be an emotional support for you. If you feel a need to have someone who is truly “in your corner” we want to be there for you to help you achieve personally and athletically to your full potential!
When you hear the word "chaplain" I wonder what comes to mind? Maybe an old guy wearing a clerical church collar... of course if you know me at all, a sports chaplain, you know you're more likely to see me wearing Gore-Tex or Lycra!
The concept of a chaplain has been around for hundreds of years. It began as a military service and really came into prominence during World War I. Actually in World War II the chaplaincy unit sustained the second highest casualty rate second only to infantry. The reason for the high casualty rate, even though for the most part chaplains are unarmed non-combatants, is because chaplains are where the needs are. Whether that is in the foxholes, trenches, etc. The reason why we have military chaplains in the first place is because soldiers have unique needs and unique lifestyles. Athletes are very similar, they have unique needs and unique lifestyles, and that is why you’ll see sport chaplains trailside, trackside, in locker rooms and wherever the athletes and coaches are.
Let me share four ways a sport chaplain can be a resource to you:
1) A NEUTRAL LISTENING EAR
We all have a need at times to be heard...to have someone simply listen to us. It’s a bonus when that listening ear doesn’t have a stake in whether or not you make a team, competition trip or a starting line up. When you feel truly listened to it can feel awesome to know someone is simply a witness to the struggle and situation you’re dealing with. Plus, verbalizing what you’re going through can aid your own perspective of the situation.
2) HELP IN TIMES OF TRAGEDY
While we certainly hope that the worst of situations won’t happen to us or our teammates, life does happen and it can sometimes be very painful and tragic. Usually these times are not on our radar and can catch us off guard. Personally, I’ve been a part of the RCMP’s Victim Services Unit for well over ten years. We’re the ones that come alongside a police officer and help the loved one or victim deal with a personal tragedy. This can include practical helps (making sure immediate physical needs are met), helping someone take the next step (especially if they’re frozen in grief), or helping a grieving person deal with their pain, shock and unanswered questions. It’s important to know that everyone grieves in their own unique way. A chaplain can help facilitate and affirm one’s own grief process.
3) SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Everyone has a belief system, or you could call it a faith system..something that helps us understand and cope with life. Because athletes have these unique needs and unique lifestyles it’s difficult to have spiritual needs met in traditional ways. A chaplain can be a personal mentor, small group facilitator or prayer partner. A chaplain would never force their own personal belief system upon anyone but would provide a safe place for you to explore yours.
4) LIFE SKILLS FOR YOUR LIFE SKILLS TOOLBOX
It never hurts to have another voice guiding and advising when life throws a roadblock your way. Teamwork challenges, relational challenges, financial issues, the list goes on and on. Sometimes it’s nice to have someone share their perspective of your life and the current challenge you are facing to help you see clearly and deal with it successfully.
So there you have it, the four resources a sport chaplain can provide. For sure there are more, but undergirding all of these is the desire to be an emotional support for you. If you feel a need to have someone who is truly “in your corner” we want to be there for you to help you achieve personally and athletically to your full potential!
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
EXTENDED SUMMER
Here in Canmore summer is GONE. My kids are back at school as is my teacher wife...leaves are starting to show some color change and as we awake each day we check the thermometer to see if if it dipped below freezing. Not for me last week though. My big dog goal race for the year was the Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Santa Cruz California. A place that still has summer weather lingering.
I departed for the 25 hour drive the day after labor day chasing down my extended summer. As I drove down the street I realized I hadn't packed any long pants, a sure way of jinxing the whole endeavor, so I turned around and grabbed a pair. Fortunately I didn't use them until the very last day of the week long trip.
My home away from home...
In the weeks leading up to the adventure not only had I been training, but preparing my truck for a week of camping. I painted the truck and topper with bedliner Raptor. It didn't turn out as spectacular as I'd hoped but not too bad. I also had to replace my brakes and rotors (I cautiously did it myself). I also prepared my topper camper. It ended up being a nice cozy home. I later found out that the Santa Cruz hotels totally jacked up their rates for the event with a 1 night stay in a mediocre Super 8 coming in at almost 400 CAD. I was grateful for my 50$ RV park and the free rest stops along the way. Rest stops are noisy and lit up, but with super earplugs and blackout window coverings it was coseyville.
This race was my first time swimming in the ocean. Yes, sharks are present around the Monterey bay area, but you never hear about shark attacks so I practiced in the 2 days leading up to the race blissfully ignorant of their presence. I was aware of the barking sea lions though. Santa Cruz has a super long pier that we swam around for the race and these big noisy creatures hang out there on boat landings barking away. It was kinda cool.
Transition
As for salt water swimming, everyone told me that you are more buoyant and indeed my swim time though 3 minutes slower than I'd hoped was still one of my faster 1/2 Ironman swims. Race day was windy so as we swam further out from shore, it got really rough and wavy. I'm sure I would have made my 35 minute goal time had the water been a little smoother. But that water was COLD! I thought my Canmore quarry had toughened me up but (just as happens in the quarry) towards the end of the swim leg I definately was getting hypothermic. My form was totally falling apart and using my hands to remove my wetsuit and put on shoes for the 1/2 Km run to T1 was exceedingly difficult. When I finally got there my fingers had the hardest time securing the buckle on my bike helmet. With the long run to T1 I ended up with a excruciatingly slow 7.5 minute transition time.
Heading out onto the bike I just wanted to warm up. the first couple miles take you along the cliff overlooking the ocean with lots of tight turns to get you through town and onto the Pacific Coast Highway. It was probably the most spectacularly scenic bike I'd ever had (and later the run), but I rarely looked up. I'm a little sad that I'm so serious about these races because with my head down straining for every aero second I could gain, I missed a lot of cool scenery.
The ride out to the turnaround was WINDY!! Like really hard windy. We could see how fast the speedy pros were going on the return and couldn't wait to get to the turnaround and have the wind at our backs. I'm not sure if you ever really make up the time having the wind at your back that you lost fighting it on the way out, but I do know that we were flying. There were times when I wasn't sure how fast I was going but would realize that my legs were spinning in my highest gear, so we must have been rocking pretty fast!!
Transitioning into the run is always a challenge on your lower back muscles. Yet I've done enough tri racing to know that patience is your ally. Just wait long enough and those tight knotted muscles eventually loosen their grip. I passed a guy that wasn't patient and he'd stopped and was somehow trying to grip those knotting muscles into some kind of cooperation, but that is futile. Sure enough after a few miles the tightness eased and I could stretch out my stride.
My biggest concern on the run was surviving a hot day. It wasn't blisteringly hot, but it's hard to train for heat in Canmore and warm races have in the past been my undoing. Fortunately, I've also got some experience. Years ago during the Desert 70.3 tri in Osoyoos I found that dumping ice into my jersey acts as a core air conditioner. As my blood races to the ice around my mid section it cools then pumps to the rest of my body. It sounds a little crazy as the ice bouncing around sounds like a Maraca, but it is so worth it!
I may not be the smartest guy to begin with but when I race I get really stupid. For some reason my brain didn't compute the Km's to miles very accurately. Somehow I thought that a 70.3 tri run is 12 miles... so I really started ramping it up at mile 10. Eventually I remembered that a marathon is 26 miles and obviously 1/2 of that is 13....duh. I wasn't too broken though when I made that realization, partly because I simply dialed things back (though I think my fastest miles were still my closing ones-always a rewarding feeling) and I also relished all the cheering as well as the amazing scenery of the Pacific Ocean right below us.
Post-race watching surfers do their thing
For the finish you fly down this super steep roadway onto the beach. You go from the fastest running of the day to the slowest. Fortunately the beach section was short. It was so fun to finish, hear my name being called ("Steve Sellers from Canmore Alberta!!"). Though I knew my "sub 5 summer" fell short once again, I was so happy. Happy just to be there, to finish, to be able to push my body quite hard for just over 5 hours... I feel super blessed. I'm still not sure of my results. I'll have to look them up. Deb told me over the phone, but honestly, once a race is over I don't like to think about it too much. I'd rather get on to the next thing. I guess I did have a 25 hour drive to contemplate things, but I hardly thought about triathlon the whole way. I'm not sure what or any tri race I'll do next summer, but for now I'm getting a couple PRP shots tomorrow to hopefully cure some niggling injuries. I won't be able to train for a few weeks to let the shots do their work. that's ok as my bod probably needs a break anyway.
Post race run up to the top of Schweizer ski area in Sandpoint Idaho
I departed for the 25 hour drive the day after labor day chasing down my extended summer. As I drove down the street I realized I hadn't packed any long pants, a sure way of jinxing the whole endeavor, so I turned around and grabbed a pair. Fortunately I didn't use them until the very last day of the week long trip.
My home away from home...
This race was my first time swimming in the ocean. Yes, sharks are present around the Monterey bay area, but you never hear about shark attacks so I practiced in the 2 days leading up to the race blissfully ignorant of their presence. I was aware of the barking sea lions though. Santa Cruz has a super long pier that we swam around for the race and these big noisy creatures hang out there on boat landings barking away. It was kinda cool.
Transition
As for salt water swimming, everyone told me that you are more buoyant and indeed my swim time though 3 minutes slower than I'd hoped was still one of my faster 1/2 Ironman swims. Race day was windy so as we swam further out from shore, it got really rough and wavy. I'm sure I would have made my 35 minute goal time had the water been a little smoother. But that water was COLD! I thought my Canmore quarry had toughened me up but (just as happens in the quarry) towards the end of the swim leg I definately was getting hypothermic. My form was totally falling apart and using my hands to remove my wetsuit and put on shoes for the 1/2 Km run to T1 was exceedingly difficult. When I finally got there my fingers had the hardest time securing the buckle on my bike helmet. With the long run to T1 I ended up with a excruciatingly slow 7.5 minute transition time.
Heading out onto the bike I just wanted to warm up. the first couple miles take you along the cliff overlooking the ocean with lots of tight turns to get you through town and onto the Pacific Coast Highway. It was probably the most spectacularly scenic bike I'd ever had (and later the run), but I rarely looked up. I'm a little sad that I'm so serious about these races because with my head down straining for every aero second I could gain, I missed a lot of cool scenery.
The ride out to the turnaround was WINDY!! Like really hard windy. We could see how fast the speedy pros were going on the return and couldn't wait to get to the turnaround and have the wind at our backs. I'm not sure if you ever really make up the time having the wind at your back that you lost fighting it on the way out, but I do know that we were flying. There were times when I wasn't sure how fast I was going but would realize that my legs were spinning in my highest gear, so we must have been rocking pretty fast!!
Transitioning into the run is always a challenge on your lower back muscles. Yet I've done enough tri racing to know that patience is your ally. Just wait long enough and those tight knotted muscles eventually loosen their grip. I passed a guy that wasn't patient and he'd stopped and was somehow trying to grip those knotting muscles into some kind of cooperation, but that is futile. Sure enough after a few miles the tightness eased and I could stretch out my stride.
My biggest concern on the run was surviving a hot day. It wasn't blisteringly hot, but it's hard to train for heat in Canmore and warm races have in the past been my undoing. Fortunately, I've also got some experience. Years ago during the Desert 70.3 tri in Osoyoos I found that dumping ice into my jersey acts as a core air conditioner. As my blood races to the ice around my mid section it cools then pumps to the rest of my body. It sounds a little crazy as the ice bouncing around sounds like a Maraca, but it is so worth it!
I may not be the smartest guy to begin with but when I race I get really stupid. For some reason my brain didn't compute the Km's to miles very accurately. Somehow I thought that a 70.3 tri run is 12 miles... so I really started ramping it up at mile 10. Eventually I remembered that a marathon is 26 miles and obviously 1/2 of that is 13....duh. I wasn't too broken though when I made that realization, partly because I simply dialed things back (though I think my fastest miles were still my closing ones-always a rewarding feeling) and I also relished all the cheering as well as the amazing scenery of the Pacific Ocean right below us.
Post-race watching surfers do their thing
For the finish you fly down this super steep roadway onto the beach. You go from the fastest running of the day to the slowest. Fortunately the beach section was short. It was so fun to finish, hear my name being called ("Steve Sellers from Canmore Alberta!!"). Though I knew my "sub 5 summer" fell short once again, I was so happy. Happy just to be there, to finish, to be able to push my body quite hard for just over 5 hours... I feel super blessed. I'm still not sure of my results. I'll have to look them up. Deb told me over the phone, but honestly, once a race is over I don't like to think about it too much. I'd rather get on to the next thing. I guess I did have a 25 hour drive to contemplate things, but I hardly thought about triathlon the whole way. I'm not sure what or any tri race I'll do next summer, but for now I'm getting a couple PRP shots tomorrow to hopefully cure some niggling injuries. I won't be able to train for a few weeks to let the shots do their work. that's ok as my bod probably needs a break anyway.
Post race run up to the top of Schweizer ski area in Sandpoint Idaho
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
John 15.... What is a true Christian? How do you know for sure you indeed are a Christian?
2 questions up there...but the answer to each validates the other and answers the other. V.3 tells us of the grace introduction into salvation when Jesus said we are, “clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.” Insert into this, “the word/message that you savingly believed.” Ok, so salvation by grace is preserved and intact. But now let’s answer q.#1: what is a true Christian? It’s all explained in this chapter, the one that abides in the vine. Christ of course being that vine.
If someone abides in the vine there are 2 clear results: fruitfulness, obedience and joy. Ok, I guess there are three. Abiding in that vine guarantees fruitfulness according to Jesus in v. 5, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing.” The other guarantee comes at the end and in the verse preceeding this one... “apart from me you can do nothing” & “the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in me”. Pretty straight up. We better make it our first priority to abide in Christ.
So exactly how does one abide in this fruit-producing vine (really an incredibly great privilege when you think about it)... obedience. V.10 instructs, “if you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love; just as I have kept my father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” Since our salvation question is settled early on in this passage, saved by grace/forgiveness, then this obedience, which results in the extrordinary favor of abiding in the vine of the creator of the universe musts be what has been described as on-going sanctification. But there is way more than just a dutiful path in obedience leading to fruitfulness. And that is what is surprisingly uncovered v.11; and that is JOY.
Jesus tells his disciples & us that everything he has just said has as its outcome...joy. And not just any joy, it’s joy that is full and complete, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy many be in you and that your joy may be made full.” I personally don’t think I’ve ever found any earthly thing that could provide a joy that qualifies as perfect and complete. That doesn’t mean this has stopped me from trying. I find myself looking for joy in purchases, but the clothes just get stains on them or go out of style. The electronic stuff eventually stops working (and I never bother to get the extended warranty because by then I’m bored with it anyway). Athletic achievement is so fleeting, usually other more gifted athletes come around and quickly deflate my “legend in my own mind” fantasy. On and on it goes. Why don’t I just abide in the vine, bear much fruit and in so doing glorify the Father and Jesus...and have great joy?
Finally, another incredible promise in this chapter. In verse 9 we’re told, “just as the father has loved me, I have also loved you; abide in my love.” After reading this for the “I don’t how many times”, time, I find myself wondering, “why hasn’t this radically changed my life?” I can’t even imagine how much love the Father has for the Son within the Trinity. But Jesus makes it magnificently clear that He loves us just that much. Huh? Did you hear that? The same love the Father has for His Son-Jesus, Jesus Himself loves us! No wonder Jesus said that all these promises result in our joy being made full. So it is love that unites Christians to Christ, just as branches are connected to a vine. Two results flow from this union, obedience and joy. Obedience leads to fruitfulness and joy is the ultimate result as we see God working in our lives and using us in His kingdom.
So how about our 2 questions up at the top. What is a true Christian? How do you know that you are a Christian? Perhaps these 3 things:
1 you are abiding in Christ. Seeking this via the path of obedience
2 as you abide, you become fruitful for God’s kingdom
3 as a result of these you have great joy!
I don’t know about you, but I want to pursue this with all my heart.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
REJOICING & WEEPING WITH OTHERS
Romans 12.15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep”
Which would you rather do, rejoice or weep? Or maybe I should say, “which is easier, to rejoice or weep? Actually, it kinda depends. It’s easy to rejoice when your favorite sports team does good, but it can be a lot tougher to rejoice alongside a teammate that rocks it, but your performance was personally disappointing. So yes, weeping isn’t all that much fun, but in many circumstances it’s a lot easier to do (weeping with someone going through a tough time).
There’s a certain precept, I’ll call it the “jealousy factor”, that the closer you are to someone (especially when involved in the same endeavour) the easier it is to be jealous, and hence-tougher to rejoice with them. For example, maybe you’re never tempted to be jealous when Canada super xc skier Alex Harvey does well in a world cup race. He’s so far out of your league, but when the local provincial skier with whom you go back & forth in races over achieves in a race and really nails it, the jealousy factor can score pretty high on the envy meter.
The athlete pictured here totally breaks the jealousy factor mould. Gen Morrison is embracing her teammate that had just defeated her for the Olympic spot in their weight category for team Canada. Gen was sharing in her teammates joy, and her teammate was sharing in Gen’s sorrow. What a moment!
Going into the match Gen was the favourite coming off last summer’s PanAm gold medal and recent bronze medal at the world championships. The latter result was the one that gave Canada the Olympic berth in the first place, but Gen had to win that place back at these trials. Going into the match, she pretty much knew it would be close as these two trained daily together and totally knew the strengths, weaknesses, moods and ebbs and flows of each other on a day-to-day basis. This match was epic. It could have gone either way as both athletes entirely wrestled to their absolute potential, and they both were certainly aware of this.
How did the world view this? Did they think she was weak, especially in a sport where you have to be tough in so many ways? Realizing that for so many athletes reaching the Olympics is a life long dream that is the driving force in many a sport career. No, the moment, captured in this picture, was named the international 2015 wrestling highlight moment of the year (Gen was named the Female Canadian wrestler of the year also).
In the Romans 12 verse, the command is given in the context of a body of believers...a close body of believers. I’m sure potential jealousies existed everywhere among this tightknit group of Christians. But what a joy to have a community that could actually live this rejoicing and weeping out together.
It’s an old saying, but it really is true: “shared sorrow is ½ sorrow, but shared joy is double joy”
How cool could it be to genuinely rejoice with your teammates and competitors at the end of a contest no matter your personal result. You’ll be guaranteed a celebration. Proverbs 15.15 says: “...a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Now that’s the way to live!!
Which would you rather do, rejoice or weep? Or maybe I should say, “which is easier, to rejoice or weep? Actually, it kinda depends. It’s easy to rejoice when your favorite sports team does good, but it can be a lot tougher to rejoice alongside a teammate that rocks it, but your performance was personally disappointing. So yes, weeping isn’t all that much fun, but in many circumstances it’s a lot easier to do (weeping with someone going through a tough time).
There’s a certain precept, I’ll call it the “jealousy factor”, that the closer you are to someone (especially when involved in the same endeavour) the easier it is to be jealous, and hence-tougher to rejoice with them. For example, maybe you’re never tempted to be jealous when Canada super xc skier Alex Harvey does well in a world cup race. He’s so far out of your league, but when the local provincial skier with whom you go back & forth in races over achieves in a race and really nails it, the jealousy factor can score pretty high on the envy meter.
Going into the match Gen was the favourite coming off last summer’s PanAm gold medal and recent bronze medal at the world championships. The latter result was the one that gave Canada the Olympic berth in the first place, but Gen had to win that place back at these trials. Going into the match, she pretty much knew it would be close as these two trained daily together and totally knew the strengths, weaknesses, moods and ebbs and flows of each other on a day-to-day basis. This match was epic. It could have gone either way as both athletes entirely wrestled to their absolute potential, and they both were certainly aware of this.
How did the world view this? Did they think she was weak, especially in a sport where you have to be tough in so many ways? Realizing that for so many athletes reaching the Olympics is a life long dream that is the driving force in many a sport career. No, the moment, captured in this picture, was named the international 2015 wrestling highlight moment of the year (Gen was named the Female Canadian wrestler of the year also).
In the Romans 12 verse, the command is given in the context of a body of believers...a close body of believers. I’m sure potential jealousies existed everywhere among this tightknit group of Christians. But what a joy to have a community that could actually live this rejoicing and weeping out together.
It’s an old saying, but it really is true: “shared sorrow is ½ sorrow, but shared joy is double joy”
How cool could it be to genuinely rejoice with your teammates and competitors at the end of a contest no matter your personal result. You’ll be guaranteed a celebration. Proverbs 15.15 says: “...a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Now that’s the way to live!!
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
A TRIBUTE TO AN UNSUNG HERO
The world lost a great man just before Christmas. You’ve never heard of him. He was a family friend. Although you may have benefited from his work at Billy Graham ministry. He ran the computers there. If you’ve ever received mail from BG or contacted them, you’ve benefited from his work. Funny though, as personal computers came into our society, he never got one. His computer world consisted of antiquated memory tape and other historical technology.
He retired years ago and in retirement volunteered with his wife each winter at the Wycliffe ministry headquarters in Texas. In summers and fall they’d come to my parents apple orchard and just be busy helping out. They actually moved to the area because my parents were out there. That’s loyalty.
Every Christmas this couple would come to our family tree trimming party. Their presence was an important ritual even more important than the many other rigid festival rites that we performed at Christmas time. There were many other family gatherings that they often would be a part of. Since they never had children of their own I often felt like we were kind of their adopted kids.
One Christmas in the ‘70's that stands out to me was when they brought us gifts for each child consisting of Bibles, the Living Version. I still have mine.
One constant was that no matter what was going on, at a certain time very early in the evening, he would pull the plug and start getting ready to go home. The reason was that for him, his 4:30 A.M. personal Bible study and prayer time was the most important thing and he didn’t want to compromise that in any way.
That never changed either. For so many people their walks with God have ups and downs, but for him year after year he never stopped that 4:30 A.M. wake up call. There must have a been a lot of mornings when he was tempted to keep on sleeping... but that’s my world not his.
I remember the Sunday I got ordained. Of course this couple was at the service and later at the reception at my home. In the card he gave me there was an inspirational sentence he wrote in Greek, knowing that I’d just completed a lot study in this original New Testament language. You see he studied both Greek and Hebrew. Certainly not needed for any computer language, but if you’re a serious student of the Bible... well that’s just what you do.
Two summers ago we vacationed in Mn and I really wanted to make a point to visit this couple. I knew that the world wouldn’t blessed with his presence too much longer. He was in his 90's and scheduled for a heart operation. In retirement that early morning wake up call came a bit later. I think he said somewhere around 6:30. Still earlier than a lot of people get up.
Sometime before Christmas that old heart with the implanted cow valve gave up. I guess you can’t be too sad, except maybe for his widow. How lonely it must be for her. But, the reception in Heaven would have been glorious. All those mornings communing with the Saviour, now it’s face to face. The words, “well done, good and faithful servant” were most surely stated.
I’m sure his life wasn’t perfect. Every human has weaknesses and fallen nature battles, even our heros. Maybe that’s what makes them our heros. In their imperfection they keep fighting and don’t quit. For Duane Wriedt there is just one main thing that stands out to me, his unrelenting quest to go hard in knowing God. I don’t know anyone else personally that I can look to as an example of this. I guess they’re pretty rare. You can read biographies of people like William Carey and George Mueller, men known for their devotional lives. But these are just people I read about in books from a long time ago. To actually have a flesh and blood friendship with someone that has something you’d like to be like...that’s a gift.
Torches get passed, and our Saviour said that to whom much is given, much is required. I’ve been given a gift to have a real life example of what it’s like to go hard after God. Time to pick up the torch, keep it burning bright and pass it on to others.
He retired years ago and in retirement volunteered with his wife each winter at the Wycliffe ministry headquarters in Texas. In summers and fall they’d come to my parents apple orchard and just be busy helping out. They actually moved to the area because my parents were out there. That’s loyalty.
Every Christmas this couple would come to our family tree trimming party. Their presence was an important ritual even more important than the many other rigid festival rites that we performed at Christmas time. There were many other family gatherings that they often would be a part of. Since they never had children of their own I often felt like we were kind of their adopted kids.
One Christmas in the ‘70's that stands out to me was when they brought us gifts for each child consisting of Bibles, the Living Version. I still have mine.
One constant was that no matter what was going on, at a certain time very early in the evening, he would pull the plug and start getting ready to go home. The reason was that for him, his 4:30 A.M. personal Bible study and prayer time was the most important thing and he didn’t want to compromise that in any way.
That never changed either. For so many people their walks with God have ups and downs, but for him year after year he never stopped that 4:30 A.M. wake up call. There must have a been a lot of mornings when he was tempted to keep on sleeping... but that’s my world not his.
I remember the Sunday I got ordained. Of course this couple was at the service and later at the reception at my home. In the card he gave me there was an inspirational sentence he wrote in Greek, knowing that I’d just completed a lot study in this original New Testament language. You see he studied both Greek and Hebrew. Certainly not needed for any computer language, but if you’re a serious student of the Bible... well that’s just what you do.
Two summers ago we vacationed in Mn and I really wanted to make a point to visit this couple. I knew that the world wouldn’t blessed with his presence too much longer. He was in his 90's and scheduled for a heart operation. In retirement that early morning wake up call came a bit later. I think he said somewhere around 6:30. Still earlier than a lot of people get up.
Sometime before Christmas that old heart with the implanted cow valve gave up. I guess you can’t be too sad, except maybe for his widow. How lonely it must be for her. But, the reception in Heaven would have been glorious. All those mornings communing with the Saviour, now it’s face to face. The words, “well done, good and faithful servant” were most surely stated.
I’m sure his life wasn’t perfect. Every human has weaknesses and fallen nature battles, even our heros. Maybe that’s what makes them our heros. In their imperfection they keep fighting and don’t quit. For Duane Wriedt there is just one main thing that stands out to me, his unrelenting quest to go hard in knowing God. I don’t know anyone else personally that I can look to as an example of this. I guess they’re pretty rare. You can read biographies of people like William Carey and George Mueller, men known for their devotional lives. But these are just people I read about in books from a long time ago. To actually have a flesh and blood friendship with someone that has something you’d like to be like...that’s a gift.
Torches get passed, and our Saviour said that to whom much is given, much is required. I’ve been given a gift to have a real life example of what it’s like to go hard after God. Time to pick up the torch, keep it burning bright and pass it on to others.
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