The Relay- Lessons From Olympic Events
The Olympics have begun in Beijing and there will be plenty of coverage. Some of the higher profile events are the swimming and track & field competitions, which display great athletes competing on the ultimate athletic stage.
Interesting aspects of those events are the relay races. In both swimming and track, races are mainly very individualized. For example, because of lane ropes, swimming limits all interaction with other participants during the race.
However, the relay races add a new element- Team. Although a racer (swimmer or runner) may be in a meet in which he/she represents an overall team, in a relay the racer is now in a particular race with teammates. They race and finish hard to make sure they are setting up (or finishing) strong for the other 3 racers.
Be it at the swimming blocks or the passing of the baton, getting the next racer off in strong fashion is critical. Even after completing their legs of the race, teammates still cheer and encourage the next racer on the relay. Watch the swimmers after they hit the wall. They get out and stand near the blocks, cheering on the team.
As we look at the legacy of Christ, and our own spiritual legacy, we should look to see if we are racing hard so that the next “racer” will be able to effectively race (or at least get started strong). Likewise, we should encouraging and cheering those racing.
As the Apostle Paul, expecting his own death, said in encouraging his young apprentice Timothy: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
You might want to focus on and enjoy those races in the Beijing Olympics- and in your daily life.