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I first wore an outfit like the one I’m wearing today back in 1973. I’m wearing a pair of running shorts, a t-shirt, gray fleece drawstring sweatpants, and a gray fleece hoodie pullover. I’m wearing it today for comfort and warmth in the early morning hours. In 1973, I wore it for the first time to practice for track and field. This was the workout uniform given to those of us who went out for track. Today, it has become habit for when I want to be warm , cozy and comfortable.
Back then I had visions of being the next Jim Ryan… of running a sub four-minute mile and of competing in the Olympics. That didn’t happen even though I was in fact above average as a distance runner. But I was never a top tier runner.
Still, I learned to love the workouts, the discipline of putting the shoes on and pushing myself out the door to do a few miles. I began doing that occasionally in 1973 as a 12-year-old and continued to do that in some shape form or fashion for over 45 years. It was only when my knee rebelled that I switched to more knee friendly disciplines... bicycles and ellipticals. My knees like it better, but it doesn’t keep the weight off as well!
Every four years, when the Olympics rolled around, I would remember those early dreams and the joy of putting on the “sweats” and going for a run. Apparently, I am not the only one who is motivated by the Olympics. It appears Paul was too!
Yes, we have no proof that today’s text was inspired by Paul’s watching the Olympic Games… but I wouldn’t bet against it either. Paul, as a world traveler of his day, would have known of the Olympic Games of his era (earliest recorded 776 BC to AD 393 according to the infamous historian Wick O. Pedia!). Even more, he uses this imagery in his letter to the Corinthian church located in (drumroll please) Greece. And the imagery he uses in is not just of running but also of boxing (where, by the way, he uses a rather humorous example- think of the flailing arms of Steven Erkle trying to confront a bully!), another of the Olympic sports of the day.
In this passage, Paul encourages us to discipline ourselves in our Christian life just as an athlete disciplines herself to win the All-Around in Gymnastics… the way a swimmer disciplines himself to win seven gold medals. Paul is not telling us we must win… for the race we are in is one that we cannot win ourselves but is won by Christ who shares His reward with all who compete... who finish the race. He is telling us to stay in the race, to finish no matter what...to not let DNF (Did Not Finish) appear beside our name in the final race results.
It brings to mind our theme for this year’s Gathering-- Prone to Wander: Nones and Dones..… particularly the “Dones.” These are the people who when surveyed say they are done with religion… done with the church… maybe not done with the “faith” but done!
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