Thursday, August 14, 2008

More Olympics

I was watching Olympic swimming other night. I looked at Michael Phelps. I'm sure most of you who know me and could see him were thinking the same thing...'yep, wow ...Mike's body and Michael Phelp's body ...they're like mirror images.'

If you're at all body conscious the Olympic telecast is not an upper. Not even close. If I ate 10,000 calories a day like Michael Phelps does and continue to exercise like I do ...let's just say it would get ugly fast.

It's hard not to look and maybe even covet what we see on the TV screen. I mean, who doesn't want to be in great shape? Who doesn't want to move like lightning? Who doesn't want to look sleek?

But I'm not. I'm not in great shape. I never moved like lightning. Ever. Looking at me and thinking sleek would be a monumental paradigm shift.

Of course, the good news is that my job description in life has nothing to do with moving like lightning or looking like an Olmpic swimmer. I'm called to take care of my body. It's a temple, you know. I need to attend better to that. Score one for self-awareness. In the life movement department I need to realize that God has gifted me differently than the Olympians. That's a good thing.

I get into trouble when I play the comparison game instead of the thankfulness card. Life seems to be designed for comparison. That's not God's way. It's the culture's way. But we're not called to play the culture's game. We're on a different playing surface.

The truth is God loves me the way I am. He just wants me to be the best me I know how to be. From God's perspective I'm as sleek and fast as anyone ...so are you.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are right on, again. Thanks for your insights, wisdom, quiet leadership, and your humble spirit.

You are subtle, but a strong, protective leader,Mike.

Thank you for all that you do and for your gentle leadership.

Cassie

Unknown said...

you read my mind--i cannot believe the bodies on these olympians--i think to myself as i stuff my face with popcorn and other nighttime treats! thanks for the insight and the encouragement to be self-aware.