Lately, I have been thinking about gratitude in sports. When I was in high school, my parents were unable to attend school events. Had it not been for a loyal sister who made it her intention to always attend all my sporting events, I might have gotten discouraged. Gratitude, though, for this sisterly support came to me late in life. Many years after high school it occurred to me that this same sister quit track, her athletic strength, when I went off to college. When I asked why, the truth stung…. “No one ever came to see me, to call out my name.” Gulp. I had a chance to coach her through a triathlon challenge a few years back. When she was afraid on the swim, I treaded water beside her until calmness returned. As we both neared the finish chute on the run leg, there was no doubt in my mind that I would step in behind her so that she would finish first. This was her moment, and I was overwhelmed with joy to be behind her in celebration of it. Now, more than ever, the sports playing field looks different to me. I notice all the supportive family and friends on the scene. For all of you, who have rung cowbells, held up signs, cut oranges, handed out water, darted across fields with toddler in a stroller, driven at 5:00 a.m. carried coolers and a change of clothes, pumped up bike tires, wrapped a cold towel around overheated shoulders, snapped pictures endlessly, and listened to the replays over and over again… thank-you, thank-you. You are special, very special and your love shows.
“Love never fails.” 1Cor 13:8.
