"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise wins souls." Proverbs 11:30
Tuesdays Olympic headlines read, "Sportsmanship Wins Hearts After 5,000-Meter Mishap". The "mishap" they are referring to occurred when Nikki Hamblin of New Zealand, while running in front of Abbey D'Agostino of the United States, fell unexpectedly in the eighth lap. With no time to move to the outside, D'Agostino collided with her. But as Abbey got up to continue the race, she paused for a moment and turned back to help Nikki to her feet, "I am so grateful for Abbey doing that for me " Hamblin said, "That girl is the Olympic spirit right there...I’m so impressed and inspired...Such an amazing moment regardless of the race and the result on the board, that’s a moment that you’ll never, ever forget for the rest of your life.” Ironically, Hamblin displayed that same "spirit" after D'Agostino fell to the track again, this time with Nikki helping Abbey to her feet.
It's no wonder that the actions of these athletes won the hearts of many-they were amazing. And while an act of good sportsmanship can certainly win the hearts of those witnessing it, the Bible tells us that a wise person, by their lifestyle, can definitely win the "souls" of those witnessing it . You see, just as a beautiful tree attracts people to its shade and fruit, a wise person, by living a life full of meaning and purpose, attracts others to the reason behind that meaning.
These two runners came to Rio to take home a medal. But they will take home so much more... a moment and a memory that, undoubtedly, will never be forgotten by them or the people that witnessed it. Might our actions and our lives affect others in the same way, causing them to pause and seek out the meaning and purpose of it all... causing them to seek out Jesus.
Heavenly Father, thank you for being the meaning of our life and the purpose for which we breathe. May we live such purposeful lives that our actions cause others to seek out the same meaning for their lives and lead them to You. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Hollyn - Love with your life
No comments:
Post a Comment