Every 4 years, the world embraces the Winter Olympics. I do say “world” because this year, more countries were represented than in past years–and it was wonderful seeing that diversity.
I embrace the Winter Olympics wholeheartedly. I remember watching the Winter Games on ABC on my parents’ Zenith television, with an antenna, sitting on shag carpeting. I loved it. Learning about new cultures and watching people from countries I would probably never visit competing was truly inspiring to me.
And every 4 years since, I deliberately plan my life around the events. Something my family finds amusing and annoying at the same time.
We have come a long way since the antenna and Zenith. Now, I have Peacock which allows Live Events and replays 24/7, and I can choose how and when I watch. And this year, I told Pete, I am staying HOME. I called it my Hibernation Staycation. Other than tutoring, I would basically be home and in love with my LG screen.
And so, Bay Shore, I have. Yes, I did some work, but my laptop didn’t care how I was dressed and if I yelled at the TV. All week long, I have watched the biathlon, ski jumping, figure skating, curling, luge, and more. I have yelled at the women playing hockey, and cried with those who just missed the podium (and one Norse skier who disclosed wayyyyy too much in his interview, and obviously needs his own vacation).
And I learned many things.
There is a camaraderie with these athletes who perform at these levels. They know each other, they share the same coaches, they travel together, and they may be sad over their own results, but they always congratulate the other competitors. And some even compete against their country’s enemies. Watching a Ukrainian athlete shake hands with a Russian one–that was a lot. I don’t know, Bay Shore, if I would have had such grace. I don’t. But I was inspired by it.
Watching the Olympics inspires ME. Reminds me that its the little things that matter: the selfies seen on line, the joy of sharing a moment with thousands and acts of kindness told. Lots of kindness. It reminds me that this world is much smaller than we understand. What we do matters where we are, kindness spreads. Words matter.
One announcer said that the Winter Olympics was like a large family reunion every 4 years. I like this idea. With all of the AI and screen time that our world is leaning to, the Olympics requires in person participation. Observers and participants. Talking, cheering, crying. There are some things we can do online, but in person gatherings and activities–they are truly binding and create communities.
And so the other thing I learned, Bay Shore? I miss being at church. I miss our community. I miss you. So I am looking forward to Sunday and all its busy-ness, and I am looking forward to seeing you. Because being in person really matters, and sharing life moments is what creates community and buildings our faith.
May God bless you and your loved ones,
Pastor Sarah
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