February 26, 2018. Eureka Springs, AR. The Thrill.......The Agony

The Olympics are over. We were able to see the final few days of competition and highlights of the previous two weeks since we had no television reception in Colmesneil and our three days of travel back to Eureka Springs. I have always enjoyed watching the Olympic competition, the reports on the individual athletes, their training methods, athletic careers and life experiences after their competitive years are over as well as the advances in equipment from the time we first starting following sports or competed ourself.
Like most aspiring athletes, I dreamt of being Olympic calibre and for the years of my tri-athlete and cycling career, I did have the thrill of knowing some pretty good athletes and while not at their level, I was on the same "field" with them and had the opportunity to at least "eat their dust", get an autograph or look back with gratitude for the experience of it all.
But there was a sobering thought which tempered my excitement for the Olympics and the look ahead to the Paralympics which will feature some very inspiring stories of athletes who have overcome major hurdles to compete for their country on the world stage. The sobering thought was: what about the people in our world, our country and even in our own community who are hurting in some way. Whether it is an illness, a financial dilemma, physical disability, an object of crime, fearful for their future, or any number of other concerns or cares, life is not a gold medal or any prize at all. I thought about the ongoing military conflicts around the world, the concern over terrorism, the nuclear threat, diseases without cures, people impacted by natural disasters and severe weather. I thought of the orphans, widows, prisoners and so many others for whom life is not a thrill, but an agony. Life is tough for them and their todays and tomorrows will be haunted by much more than losing a place on the Medal podium by .001 of a second.
Putting it all in perspective is what makes life a challenge and what makes us appreciate
what we have and Who has us. Thank You, Lord, for the thrill and the agony of this life and the promise and hope we rely on for what is yet to come. I do believe, the best IS yet to come, for those who Believe. Yes......Thank You, Lord.......for everything.




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