For most of us these Olympic games allows us to momentarily put our sorrows away to cheer on Athletic greatness

                                                                         

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'  Jeremiah 29:11

This verse is so fitting as I watch this years Olympic games.  Behind many at these Olympic games is a story that unfolds about how they overcame great odds to win a medal at these games or simply to overcome some barrier just to prove to themselves that it is possible for them to compete. Michael Phelps proved his greatness as a swimmer despite going through life not having a dad , but through the mentoring of his father figure swim coach through those crucial years he was able to bring honor and glory to his Country.

Karani James breaks the United States domination in the 400 meters and becomes the youngest runner while still only a teenager was able to also eclipse the all time record set by a runner from the United Kingdom.

Felix Sanchez won his 400 meter hurdles race and after he crossed the finish line he immediately paid tribute to his grandmother.

Oscar Pistorious, a runner from South Africa, defied the odds by becoming the first double amputee to run a 400 meter race.  What he did was phenomenal and it once again demonstrated that  through hard work and commitment  during his rehabilitation years he was able to demonstrate to the world that just because you have a disability does not mean you have to sit on the sidelines watching every one else compete. Oscar Pistorious may not have won a medal, but what he did at these Olympic games will do more to inspire people with disabilities to achieve things they thought never were possible to achieve.

Gabby Douglas became the first black gymnast to win gold in these Olympic games. She overcame great odds, having no role models of color to inspire her to go on and not only win gold for the United States, but do it with such graciousness and style.

I remember at our daughter's final 50 yard dash event at the school track and field event how when her teammates finished their race they ran back to run with her until she crossed her finished line.  No small feat for a young 11 year old girl with a slight limp caused by her mild cerebral palsy.  Her death a few weeks later left us with a sudden void, but I was reminded that because of what Christ had done for her she was now in heaven enjoying all of it's fruits with a new set of legs to boot.

These Olympic games allow us to forget the pain that we see everyday in the world around us.  God does know the plans he has for us. Plans for us to prosper and not to be harmed.  What goal do you want to accomplished?  How can you honor the loved one you so painfully miss through the years? Will you, like Felix Sanchez, pay tribute to a loved one after crossing the finish line of the 400 meter hurdles?