We have all enjoyed the Olympic games, and everyone has his or her favorite moment. One that will always stand out in my mind is Michael Phelps' winning eight gold medals and setting new world records in awesome style. I remember watching Mark Spitz in 1972 in Munich, and the excitement we felt then. To me, this was more emotional. To see the joy in his face at the end of each race, and feeling proud of my country, which he honorably represents, are experiences I will not soon forget.
In one of the many spotlights on Michael, they discussed his physical gifts. He is 6'-4" and has a "wingspan" of nearly 80 inches. He has the classic broad shoulders and narrow hips of a swimmer. His feet are size 14. He can hyperextend his elbows, knees and ankles. This combination makes him a phenomenal swimmer. But none of this would provide any advantage without intensive training and a will to win.
We too have been endowed with special gifts for the "races" we must run. Some of our gifts are a part of our character and personality. Others are spiritual gifts that were given as a part of our foreordained callings. These gifts and talents are not as visible as Phelps' physical gifts. But even with Phelps, there was a period of discovery and development when it was discovered that he had a special talent for competitive swimming.
Our discovery comes through faithful Church service; through stepping out of comfort zones, repeatedly; through associating with good people; through study, prayer and pondering. Our patriarchal blessings are an excellent guide. Once identified, then the training comes. Sometimes the training is monotonous and repetitive. At other times it can be painful. But train we must!
If we are not willing to put forth the effort to train and excel in our gifts, we will not earn our gold medals and laurel wreaths in the Eternal Olympics. And unlike the Summer Olympics, in the Eternal Games there is room for all on the winners' platform. I hope we will all stand proudly together when it is all over.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The sun is the same in a relative way, but you're older
As I begin my 50th year on this old earth, I have to pause and look back. No, not because of shortness of breath. Just because I have found it helpful to reflect on last year's path and plan for any course corrections.
The past few weeks have been eventful enough to take one's breath away. We were fasting for a lot of family members last Sunday. It makes you stop and really think about our mortality.
Heidi's sister, Sheila was hospitalized for blood clots in her lungs, following varicose vein surgery. She's doing fine, but they are still working to balance her anticoagulants. She'll be on those for a while.
No sooner was Sheila stabilized, than Heidi's sister, Kathy went to the hospital with abdominal pains. They discovered a grapefruit-sized tumor, a sarcoma of some sort. It is aggressive and invasive and the prognosis doesn't appear good. She begins chemo soon to try to shrink the tumor so that they can try to remove it. Kathy seems to be in good spirits considering the news and the fact that her oncologist is lacking in tact.
And we have been keeping up on baby Andrew's progress, and are grateful and amazed. It is amazing for a newborn to go through such a complex surgery. I am also amazed at the surgical team and the stamina they must have for such a complicated surgery on a little body. That has to compare with running marathons.
Heidi had her first MRI today, on her shoulder. It has been causing her some pain for a while. Of course, we're hoping that it's not serious. It's not her throwing arm (thank goodness), but it is her baby-carrying arm. She found the MRI experience humorous.
As we deal with all the complications of life, it gives pause (yes, there I am pausing again) for reflection on the miracle of the human body. Heavenly Father gave us an awesome gift. When you stop to consider the complexity of the body, it's amazing that more doesn't go wrong.
Anyway, we pray that everyone will be healthy, and for the Lord's will to be done. Sometimes there are things we have to learn first.
I just heard Jimmy Cliff singing Many Rivers to Cross, and that just about sums it up. We have many rivers to cross before we reach our destination, and the crossings aren't easy. We just need to keep praying and keep pushing forward, and stop to rest long enough to understand the Lord's will.
The past few weeks have been eventful enough to take one's breath away. We were fasting for a lot of family members last Sunday. It makes you stop and really think about our mortality.
Heidi's sister, Sheila was hospitalized for blood clots in her lungs, following varicose vein surgery. She's doing fine, but they are still working to balance her anticoagulants. She'll be on those for a while.
No sooner was Sheila stabilized, than Heidi's sister, Kathy went to the hospital with abdominal pains. They discovered a grapefruit-sized tumor, a sarcoma of some sort. It is aggressive and invasive and the prognosis doesn't appear good. She begins chemo soon to try to shrink the tumor so that they can try to remove it. Kathy seems to be in good spirits considering the news and the fact that her oncologist is lacking in tact.
And we have been keeping up on baby Andrew's progress, and are grateful and amazed. It is amazing for a newborn to go through such a complex surgery. I am also amazed at the surgical team and the stamina they must have for such a complicated surgery on a little body. That has to compare with running marathons.
Heidi had her first MRI today, on her shoulder. It has been causing her some pain for a while. Of course, we're hoping that it's not serious. It's not her throwing arm (thank goodness), but it is her baby-carrying arm. She found the MRI experience humorous.
As we deal with all the complications of life, it gives pause (yes, there I am pausing again) for reflection on the miracle of the human body. Heavenly Father gave us an awesome gift. When you stop to consider the complexity of the body, it's amazing that more doesn't go wrong.
Anyway, we pray that everyone will be healthy, and for the Lord's will to be done. Sometimes there are things we have to learn first.
I just heard Jimmy Cliff singing Many Rivers to Cross, and that just about sums it up. We have many rivers to cross before we reach our destination, and the crossings aren't easy. We just need to keep praying and keep pushing forward, and stop to rest long enough to understand the Lord's will.
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