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.
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2 comments:
Your blog is great. It is fun to see your pictures and read about you. It makes me feel shallow.
Here we are watching the Olympics again; this time it is the winter Olympics in February 2010. It is amazing to see such talent, to take pride in our country and in all of humanity, to recognize our brotherhood. So how are you doing in your personal Olympic games?
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