It's the Olympic Games.
This afternoon we were treated to a replay of the Wimbledon final when Alcaraz and Djokovic stepped out on the red clay court at Roland Garros.
It is well known that the best sports heroes in the world do not only train hard.
They also watch hours and hours and hours of footage of those they hold in high esteem and in whose footsteps they want to follow.
Active.
But also passive - with a goal in mind.
The best writers in the world are also the most enthusiastic readers.
They do have to actively write to measure their writing.
But then they also spend quality time reading and reading and rereading to discover new writing styles, expand their vocabulary, and draw inspiration from the storylines of other writers to refine their own art.
Active.
But also passive - with a goal in mind.
As Christians, we are in a race every day of our lives in which our physical bodies are challenged to overcome the heaviness of this life.
And we actively overcome it by continuing to fight courageously when temptations descend on us like a Jeffreys Bay seagull on some lost slap chips.
But we also overcome passively - with a goal in mind - by remaining patient in our daily struggle while we grow stronger in spirit.
In the Oxford Dictionary the definition of long-suffering is:
"having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people."
It may not sound terribly active, but it is a passive gift that makes our spiritual muscles grow and encourages our fellow athletes.
Movement is not always a prerequisite for growth.
Sometimes rolling stones need to sit for a while
to gather moss
to retain falling rain
to share with those
who says
I'm thirsty
I'm in pain
"I love you, God -
You make me strong."
Psalm 18:1 The Message
Your inspiration for the week: Flowers
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