Many athletes know or come to know the Cross through the ecstasy of sport. Revelations of great comfort and promise have come to me often while engrossed in physical conditioning. In fact, sometimes, I can’t hear God until I have physically settled down the meaningless distractions that can plague me. There is nothing like a good run to clear the mental clutter and make room for a heart to heart moment with our Father. It is an awesome blessing to realize how God speaks to us and walks with us according to our individual personalities. Sport too often is trivialized when in fact it is talent gifted to us by God. Faithful organizations of athletes who go out and serve others are thoughtful, generous, and giving. Thank God for the talented yet humble athletes who accomplish great feats. While too many athletes are satisfied with their prizes and notoriety, others are called to serve. Those athletes who are called to serve, recognize the need to inspire and to provide for others who are less fortunate. They have a light that shines. Yet, this aspect of athleticism is only part of the ministry related to sport. Sport is worthy for its transformative power and influence on our individual determination and ability to persevere. We miss a great opportunity, when we minimize the ways in which our own spirituality is enhanced through sport. I often see God as my Coach. His wisdom is unmatched. He speaks to me on the sidelines (of life) and sends me back in the game a better player. So, this is for all you athletes, recreational, used to be, elite, pro, or want to be, or full of excuses, whatever:
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under at tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in people’s sight, so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16- The New Jerusalem Bible)
Besides providing for the body (which is the temple of our soul), sports and fitness allow us opportunities to experience God within. A triathlete pursuing an ironman finish must seem crazy to some, but to others, it could be a means to experience the “extraordinary”. To know God is to tap into Extraordinary. Since God made us in His image and no one of us is exactly the same as another, why should we expect our relationship with our Creator to be anything less than individualistic and personal?
Here is a sweet victory story about a former student of mine, Adam. Keep in mind, this was middle school. Adolescents are terribly vulnerable, yet they can be heartless in peer groups and to one another. Adam was crippled with shyness because he stuttered. Since he was less self-conscious with me, he would speak in his halting manner about soccer. He was a good athlete. With all his brains and charm, I felt badly that he was avoiding potential friendships and never spoke up in class. One day he asked me if I thought he could speak about a paragraph of a report he had written in front of the class. He thought he was up to the challenge. We talked about tough moments in soccer, like penalty kicks and tie game kick-offs; moments when all eyes are on you, the pressure can be paralyzing. We talked about how we as athletes handle those moments. I reminded him that most people, spectators and classmates alike, do have compassion. They see themselves in similar situations and want the best outcome. No one really wants to suffer or to see another suffer. Dancers, writers, craftsmen, speakers, artists, musicians, scientists all practice to hone skills and to improve. It was obvious to Adam that in order to improve, he’d have to practice and thus be put to the test. I made some precursory announcement to the class about respecting the challenges that some students (and adults) face in speaking in front of groups. Some students gleaned that this was a moment which would call them to a higher standard. Others were clueless. Adolescents, right? Humans? So Adam spoke a perfect first sentence, and then, it happened. He couldn’t speak a word. Opening his mouth, only guttural noises came forth. His distress was obvious. I thought about how Peter in the Bible stepped out on to the Sea of Galilee to approach our Lord, then fear overtook him, and he had to cry out for help as he began to sink. What would Adam do here? How long should I let him suffer with this first experiment? One student in the class called out some mockery of Adam, like “what is the matter with him…what an idiot”. A number of students in the class glared at the student who spoke out. Their chastisement was far more powerful than anything I could say or do. In fact, my intervention would have seemed somewhat parental. Adam knew that the class wanted him to overcome. I could sense that he was determined. Another sport’s image came to mind, and something like it was happening for Adam. Sometimes at a tennis match, when one player is losing resolve, fans begin to clap to call the nearly defeated player back to rally. The class waited. Adam regained his composure and spoke the rest of the paragraph. It was one of those rare Olympic moments. We as witnesses, were transformed. Students spoke to Adam after class. They were patient with him. It wasn’t long before he was joining classmates at a lunch table. One day, toward the end of the school year, he introduced me to his girlfriend.
We are all different, aren’t we? My mission is to help those athletes and non-athletes alike celebrate the special ways that God ministers to all of us. I believe sport has many virtues and lessons. Give honor and glory to God by using the talents you were given.
We have opportunities for Olympic moments. We are called to be extraordinary in the depth of our faith. Be not afraid. The love of God is mightier than any test.
Let your light shine. We need you, child of God.
