Focus on the Finish

I have anticipated this day since last year, 2020: The Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics. It was postponed for a whole year. I felt so bad for the athletes that would have to wait another whole year before they could compete and didn't know if they would ever be able to compete. Last year there were so many unknowns. This morning it happened!! I was up at 6:00 a.m. and got dressed for my workout. I had an hour before the Opening Ceremonies would start at 7:00 a.m. I knew it would be different. Especially, with no spectators.  I was ecstatic as the T.V. started counting down for the event to start. I love the music, the costumes, the staging, the culture, etc. And, then the Parade of Countries! I was overjoyed to see them coming in and holding their heads high. They were representing their country. To see their excitement as they came into the stadium was so surreal. They are the top athletes in the world.  The disappointment from last year was forgotten. The anticipation that these athletes have to be able to compete in a sport that they love: their passion. I was definitely taking it all in.

These athletes are on the top of their game. The best of the best. However, to get where they are was oft times a lonely road filled with a strict regime, diet, etc. Their road is filled with highs and lows. They have their hopes and dreams plastered forever in their mind. They don't dwell on the lows; but, know the lows will propel them to their highs. Nothing is going to stop them from their achievement: To be the best in the world, an Olympian!! These athletes have had to focus on the finish! No matter what situations come into their paths. "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 forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Like them, we too have our stories. People will never know what we have had to overcome to be where we are at this moment. Everyone of us has had situations that we have had to get through. It's hard. It's rough. But, we did it. Let's celebrate the victories in our lives! Sometimes it is important to acknowledge the small victories and not wait for the huge victories. As long as we take baby steps and keep moving toward our dreams, we can accomplish them. Don't quit. Don't give up. Keep going. Keep your vision alive in your mind and in your heart. The sky is the limit!