Anyone who  knows me well knows that I love to watch figure skating. I love the grace and beauty and talent that each of these atheletes put forth as they glide across the ice. In my mind, I can sometimes see myself doing triple flips and sachows and spins (oh, especially the spins!). In reality, though, the closest I will ever come to the ice is by falling on it, not standing up on it!

I've been following some of the various Olympic events over the past week and a half. In many ways, each of these athletes are in a "race" for the gold, for the top prize and all the fame and glory that comes with that distinction. However, I have to admit to being very disappointed with some of the attitudes that I've seen from some of these elite athletes. What I observed at times have been attitudes of pride, a lack of compassion, and I have to shake my head at what comes across to me as spoiled children who think they're adults, but in truth, are just self-centered adults acting like children.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says, "Do you not know that in a race ALL the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but WE do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlsessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

People are watching us. We are called to be salt and light to the world and if we're not aware that our life impacts those around us, then we are missing the mark and not running the best race of our lives. Our goal should be to live out Christ before others in such a way that they are drawn to Him, not repelled from Him. We are, as it has been said, "Jesus with skin on." May others see Jesus reflected in me, in what I say and do.

Another favorite running verse:

Isaiah 40:31 - "....those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

May He be your wings and your strength as you follow after Him, being Jesus to the world. And may you run your race and win!