I remember as a kid watching ABC sports on television. They always started out with the voice of Jim Mckay announcing the introduction with video of various sports events. And probably the most famous words in broadcast sports: “The Thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” I remember the Russian weight lifter boldly pushing an enormous barbell over his head and the unlucky ski jumper sliding off the end of the ramp.
We all have experienced our own versions of victory and defeat; we surely do not need to watch the Olympics on television to know what it looks like or feels when life throws us an unexpected curve ball. There are moments like the Chinese hurdler who tried valiantly to overcome injury only to fail clearing the first hurdle in a qualifying race or the runner who gave every last ounce of effort only to finish fourth place and out of medal contention. But eventually our attention is diverted to the athlete who overcomes past pain and defeat to accomplish a lifelong dream of draping themselves in the flag of their home country. These often times become the image that sticks with us as we turn off the television set and settle in for a long nights sleep.
I have seen my own share of the thrill and agony of life on and off the field, but I need to remember to temper my public displays of complaint about the unfortunate as there are always people out there who have had it far tougher than I have. My friend Michael comes to mind as I recently found out that he lost his wife of twenty four years. While it is difficult to read his postings on facebook about the realities of loneliness and heart ache, I am glad he can share his feelings with those he calls friends. Just as the sprinter who finishes the race and sees his or her name appear first on the big screen, I know that life also rewards us with golden moments to cherish like the birth of a child or the moment we find the love of our lives.
Our creator God has given us a wonderful technique in which to teach us the ways of the world. He gives us perspective so that at the end of the day we can sit in our own version of the sunset and balance out the beauty and harsh realities of life on earth. He gives us the wonders of nature and the hugs of our loved ones to put things as they should be so that we can keep on living with hope and the knowledge that with agony comes victory.
Peace and love. Witt
P.S. Here's that video I mentioned. Are you old enough to remember this?
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