The past couple weeks, our TV set has been tuned to the Olympic games. We get hooked on these special games and their world-wide cast of participants. TV coverage highlights the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. We see a few athletes achieve their wildest dreams and head home with “the gold.” Others come with great expectations and are crushed when they fail to achieve. But thinking of the number of athletes who participate, my guess is that a great majority come to experience the excitement of the games, to represent their countries, and then head home satisfied with life-time memories of this great event. 

Well, I’m rambling here, but maybe our life is somewhat like the Olympics. At times we may achieve great success or accomplishment, perhaps admiration from our peers. At other times, we fail, fall-short, and experience disappointment personally and from others. But I have a feeling that the majority of days we spend in between the two. We go about our daily tasks, doing the best we can, often unnoticed by those around us. But, we’re here!

Our Lord has placed us here in this lifetime. He has given us various talents and abilities. And He has given us a purpose –- to share His love with those around us. Sometimes we’ll succeed, sometimes we’ll fail, but everyday we’ll know of His love for us. And when our days here come to a close, we’ll be called home to the greatest of all thrills – to be close to our Heavenly Father, and to once again see the loved ones who have gone on before us. “The gold” will be ours – not just for a single moment on a podium, but forever after. Lord, help us keep our “eyes on the prize.” Read Romans 8:37-39, and remember: God has loved you from the beginning, loves you now, and will always love you– UNCONDITIONALLY!

Judy

Today’s reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A37-39