Olympic Straw

During the Olympics people who were great athletes in high school and college (which doesn't include me) start wondering why they didn't focus more on athletics. People with kids start hoping they'll be able to take their athletic talents to greatness. Our society stops what it's doing to sing the praises of the swiftest, strongest, most graceful people the world has ever seen.

I think we should appreciate the beauty in God's creation, and part of that is appreciating the human body pressed to its full potential.

But being an Olympic calibre athlete adds nothing of lasting value to the world.

One person I heard lamenting not seeking athletic fame is the mother of two darling children and a talented health care professional. She has the opportunity to shape the earthly and eternal destiny of at least two human beings, and she daily participates in curing desperately sick people. But she used to be fast. How does that even compare?

As much fun as the Olympics (or any other sport) can be to watch, in the end these kids are going to get old, stop being athletes, go to school, get married, have kids, and get jobs just like the rest of us. What will they have to show for their time in the sports world? A few shiny medals, a few scars, maybe a limp. What of their Olympic adventures will last through eternity?

I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with temporal pleasures, but lets remember that they are temporary, and the most important things in life can't be hung on a wall.