Beyond the Wall
So this year the Olympic Games have descended upon Beijing, China. Home to 1.3 Billion people. Yes, we all know that China is a communist country. But it is so rich with history. I am by no means a history buff, nor do I have a direct (or indirect) interest in China as a whole. But I absolutely LOVE the Olympic Games, no matter where they are. I love them for a couple of reasons...which I will now share! BTW, Owen could really care less about the games, so he's at boring law school class right now, while I'm sitting here bawling my eyes out and watching the opening ceremonies (let me explain).
One of the main reasons I love the Olympics is for the way it allows dreams to come true. And it's the main reason I sit and cry during them. Yes, I cry...sometimes hysterically. It's quite amusing to watch. Not sad tears of course, but happy tears. Happy tears for these kids (most of them) and also adults, who have worked their entire lives for the goal of even making it to the Olympics. Winning a medal is secondary for most of them. I have this tendency to watch the games like I'm the wife, mother, sister, daughter of each of the athletes (regardless of nationality, but especially the USA). How proud would you be if your husband, father, son, daughter, etc. was athletic, talented and fortunate enough to make the prestigious Olympics Games. To compete for a Gold medal...for all the world to see?! Ugh...makes me cry just thinking about it! It's awe inspiring. I could only wish for such talent!
Another big reason I love the Olympics is for the way it brings the world together. Just this morning Russia invaded Georgia. An act of such violence and hostility. Yet at the same time, not a world away, the rest of the world is coming together in peace. All differences and politics put aside. It is the one time in the history of Earth that we can all come together for fun and games. Since 1896 in Athens, Greece. The world has put everything aside for a few weeks every 4 years to play games. What fun is that?!
For the Olympics to be in China this year has many people upset. I've heard many people voice their opinions about how we should not support a communist country. But I challenge a different way of thinking. Billions of people live in China, and millions more will descend upon the nation, many not communists, but Christians. There are many US Olympic Athletes that are professing Christians. And many spectators will be on hand to watch the games that are Christians. If each of them shares the Gospel with just one person...from China or beyond...the world will begin to change. Even if they do not share, but instead pray for others to come to know Christ, the world will begin to change. So I challenge you to not think about the games being in a communist country as a negative thing...but rather think of all of the lives that can be changed through a game. We're here to re-write history, not just read about it.
And...the Chinese are just plain brilliant. Did you watch the Opening Ceremony? The Chinese invented paper, printing and the kite - so say the commentators anyway. Here they are symbolizing their invention of paper.
