ForgottenWoman

Olympic Memories

Once upon a time, a 12-year-old girl was just outside of Atlanta Ga, sitting alone on a black beanbag chair in front of the downstairs television of her home, all hours of the day and night! The memories of that time remain vivid today: as for the first time in my life, I cared who won a boxing match. Sugar Ray Leonard was just the cutest thing I had ever seen! And the ice skating: Dorothy Hamill lit up the rink, and I sat in awe as I did what was never allowed in our family home: vegging in front of the TV! I feel certain that members of my family joined me there off and on, but the memories of being down there alone and just not caring that I was alone are so real! (I’m not one who enjoys being alone normally.)

Anyway, as the Olympic Games are getting ready to begin in 2026, I’m wondering how many of my friends are excited to cheer on individuals in a variety of sports. It really is all about their individual stories – I get wrapped up in their lives, and I’ll cheer when they do well, and I’ll cry when they are defeated! My daughters and I have been talking about the lady who is now 41 (I think), who has pushed forward with injury after injury to fulfill her Olympic dream. I’m for her! I cannot imagine giving so much of your life to one sport – but I can certainly respect the grit, the work ethic, the drive that pushes these individuals!

Now, you knew this was coming, right? Yeah. I love to watch and cheer them on, but I am also inspired to pursue my own goals and dreams with more fire when I see individuals like this! What is it that I really want to accomplish? Am I willing to get up earlier, work longer and harder, push myself to the limits to accomplish it?

Ultimately, my main goal is to love God and others intentionally. And to pursue that at a gold-medal level requires that I lose sleep, that I push myself beyond my comfort zone, that I repeatedly set aside my own comfort, and that I work harder and longer than I otherwise would. So, this evening, before and after I watch the opening ceremonies and focus on the athletes and their stories, I’m also going to focus on my own story, the goal that is set before me and how I can pursue it more diligently!