Let the Games Begin

It’s that time again….as this issue of Heart of the Matter goes to publish, the 2008 Summer Olympic Games will begin in Beijing, China.

This month we’ll watch the world unite for a time, in the name of competition. What do these Olympics mean for us as Americans, Christians, and homeschoolers? There’s a lot more to these games than the “gold medal count

As Americans, first and foremost, the Olympics should confirm to us the blessing that it is to live in America, that despite all of her “problems” we remain free. Free to worship, free to educate our children, and free to speak our thoughts and beliefs without fear of persecution. Freedom is a gift that is often taken for granted.

For Christians, the Olympics are certainly an opportunity to pray.

• Praying for the safety of those organizing and participating in the games in these uncertain times is a privilege that we should never overlook


• Prayers for those who are “Ambassadors for Christ” in a China where religious freedoms are non existent


• Prayers for peace in a world that is volatile. Peaceful existence is possible, but without prayer will never be achieved.

We also have an opportunity to examine more closely the words of the Apostle Paul to the Hebrews, 2000 years ago.

…Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)

We are ALL “Olympic athletes,” running the race of our lives….training each and every day.

Running our race, the marathon of life. Just as the athlete in these games must come ready to compete, we too must commit each day to the “race” that is our lives. It will require training, casting off all that hinders, perseverance, and the certainty that many times the course will be uphill! Have faith, a race well trained for and run is more satisfying than sitting on the sidelines.

That perhaps is the lesson for our homeschools too. While a study of the Olympics, its history and heroes is a fabulous learning tool, we can take many life lessons from the games as well. Well trained bodies and minds, minds full of values, faith, and morals, are what will ultimately help our children “run the race.” As any homeschooler will tell you, there are days that feel as if they are moving at a marathoner pace and other times when it’s a sprint to the finish. Our goal is to help lead our children into running their own race.

So, the world unites for a few weeks this summer. The lessons that we can take from these games are valuable in many ways, if we take the time to notice. We are all running the race, we are all in the race of our lives. Commitment to the race, passion for the prize, and the understanding that “this” race will not be easy are all part of the lessons that surround the Summer 2008 Beijing Olympiad.



Father, As these 2008 Summer Olympic games begin, I humbly ask that Your hand of peace surround the athletes and organizers, families and fans. Help us to take seriously our commitment to pray for peace around the world. Allow these games to be an opportunity to unite the human race all over the world. Guide those athletes from the United States, help them to be Ambassadors for Christ, in a China that may not welcome them. Father, as these games begin, help me to see that I, too, am in a race. The race towards Your kingdom, my ultimate finish line. Forgive me when I falter at the starting line, and help me, through Your grace, to run this race with renewed commitment each and everyday.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen



Lori is a 4 year homeschool mom to 3. Currently a 7th grader, a 5th grader and a 3rd grader. Lori insists that when she was wrestling with the decision to home school, a gentle voice guided her with the words, "you know what you should do." Never looking back, accepting the challenges and rewards and CONSTANTLY clinging to THE ROCK..."No Storm can shake my inmost calm when to this ROCK I'm clinging." Lori hopes to impart peace and inspiration amidst the daily chaos. Be sure to visit her blog at All You Have to Give.