Marching to music around a track. Feats of bravery, strength, speed, endurance, grace. Ceremonies and awards. Flags and fireworks.
When my kids were little, we had our very own summer “olimpics.” (That word is trademarked. Their symbol, flag, etc are all trademarked, too. OTOH, since anything athletic is bound to make me limp, I figure my version is honest and unique.)
Back to the story, though....Weaving dollar-store hula hoops together into an erstwhile symbol,
neighborhood children decided what the events would be this year. Longest
hanging time from the monkey bars… most sommersaults… fastest time to do five
chin ups…. Should we add longest upside
down hanging this time? Best cartwheel? Bike riding? Rings?
Using nails to punch orange juice can lids and a hot glue
gun to attach ribbon on for the awards, the kids continued to plan things. Which
was better: walking farther on stilts, or staying upright on them longer? They decided
to feature both since two kids could win.
With their sense of fairness, the desire
to include everyone, and to create ways for the younger or weaker friends to be winners, they embodied the true olympic spirit. Once, we had a biggest bubble blower contest so someone with a broken leg could still compete!
For weeks, everyone trained.
When the Big Week arrived, out came the tub of instruments: Jingle clacks, kazoos, rhythm sticks, tamborines still didn't drown out the shout-singing of whichever tune they sang for the opening ceremony.
We celebrated with slices of melon, ice pops or punch until the last day.
Then, with whichever parents wanted to attend, we held a barbeque and awarded
the ribbons. Disneyland ’s fireworks lit the
sky, and life was beautiful.
Tonight the opening ceremonies for the world Olympics is on
TV. For just a few minutes, it’s easy to pretend peace and kindness reign
throughout the world. The nifty costumes, confetti, and applause don’t fool us,
though. Our world is an upside down mess.
Jesus wanted to be
surrounded by children. “Such is the kingdom of heaven.” Ahhhh, yes. I don’t doubt He would have
laughed at the red punch mustaches, embraced each winner, kissed away and
scrapes or teardrops, and let each child know how very precious they are to
Him.
That being said, He
is beside each of us as we run the race, fight the fight, and keep the faith. I’d
rather have that and peace in my hearts than receive a gold medal at the Olympics
as the world rages.
Hula hoops, sno cones, and victory. Y’all are invited to my brand of summer games.
Sneakers and jeans are fine. No one has to wear
a leotard.
Cathy
Hi Cathy!
ReplyDeleteI too watched the opening ceremony of the Olympics and I must say I practically howled at Rowan Atkinson! What a superb performance he gave. LOL at its best!:)
I understand where you are coming from,when you say it's easy to pretend peace and kindness reign throughout the world and you are right. We do live in turbulent times,but I still get an overwhelming feeling of joy when I see all the Countries march proudly with their flags. I noted there was not ONE Nation marching, that did not have smiles on their faces. They were full of happiness, expectation and HOPE, for a wonderful time ahead of them.
I pray that over the next couple of weeks, animosity will be forgotten,as these privileged athletes, with the help of God, strive to do their very best and make their Country proud of them! Not everyone can be a "Winner"in the true sense of the word, but I say Congratulations to all these athletes. In my eyes they are ALL winners just for being there!
Bless you for putting up this Post tonight... definitely food for thought!
Rosie, I agree.
ReplyDeleteI deeply admire all of those athletes for the years of training, trying, striving, and pushing themselves. They've made huge sacrifices to receive the honor of being at the games. At least for these weeks of the Olympics, seeing the world at peace would be a temporary balm to us all.
I remember the Munich Olympics when Israel's team was assaulted. The very notion of young people being slaughtered when they'd come together for sportsmanship and peace outraged the world.
The contrast between the magnificent opening ceremony and the violence on the evening news hit me hard.
At moments like that, I praise God that my hope lies in Him!
Cathy
Oh Cath!!! This post is awesome! LOVED reading your precious memories of the neighborhood olympics--what a fun idea. I also LOVED your wise message and reminder that Jesus is with each of us as we run the race here on earth. Yes, isn't it wonderful that our hope is in HIM alone! ~ Btw, wouldn't we have fun with a "Writes of Passage" olympics?! Let's see...we could have reading contests, pie-eating contests, etc. LOL!! Just thinking of all the ladies who participate on this blog (the writers AND readers) gathered together for a fun time--can you imagine all the talking and laughter!?! Thanks again for sharing, and sorry I'm chiming in late today--just have turned on my computer (been gone ALL day, but it was a fun day with family!). Love, PJ
ReplyDeletep.s. Oh my!! You PRECIOUS lady! When we arrived home this evening I discovered a package at my front door--from YOU!! My scrapbook prizes!!! I'd completely forgotten about winning that from you here on the blog, and I am THRILLED!! I feel like a kid at Christmas (okay, a very spoiled kid who has received lots of fun things, LOL)--thank you SOOOO much, sweet friend! I'll be sending you a snail-mail note too, but wanted to go ahead and let you know it arrived. I'm having so much fun looking at all these items and cannot wait to get busy on my scrapbooks--WOOHOO!! Love you, Patti Jo (wearing a very big smile)
PattiJo, I love the idea of a writespassage sumer games. I think maybe we ought to have a pie safe pushing event. Instead of orange juice can lids for prizes, we'd have bookmarks artfully arranged amidst chocolates and bookstore gift certificates.
ReplyDeleteCath