Thank goodness for the Olympic Games. I am in no way dismissing the seriousness of the situation we are in as a nation with the current health crisis. However, I sure do appreciate having things to celebrate and something else to focus on right now. Our Australian representatives are doing us proud, giving us plenty to be excited about as we sit fifth on the medal tally at the time of writing.
The other big Olympic news was of course the announcement that Brisbane will be hosting the Olympic Games in 2032. Brisbane locals celebrated with fireworks and cheers as the announcement was made, while the rest of the country cheered on quietly in excitement for another Australian hosted Olympics.
But it’s 2032, eleven years from now. I’ll be 49 years old, my youngest daughter, who is still my baby, will have her L’s and my two older daughters will be adults. Maybe we will be able to go to the Brisbane Olympics for a family holiday, except then, they won’t need to sit on my shoulders to get a better view of the action, nor will I have to carry them in my arms to the car because they fell asleep during the 400m freestyle.
All of a sudden I don’t feel so excited about the 2032 Olympics. I’m not ready for my babies to be grown ups. Eleven years ago my wife and I were newlyweds and that time has rushed by like a whirlwind, so I can only imagine the next eleven years will rush by just as fast. Wouldn’t it be nice if everything just slowed down a little bit.
Through both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible you can find teachings about how rapidly time disappears and how it is the wise who always endeavour to make the most of it.
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom”. Psalm 90:12
The past few years have been rough to say the least. All of us have spent time stuck in our homes, had to cancel family holidays, missed important events, and seen our precious time get eaten up by circumstances out of our control. But I don’t want to waste another day, even if circumstances aren’t ideal.
Regardless of what is happening around us, we can treat our time as the precious commodity it is. Instead of mindlessly scrolling Facebook, make memories with your family - even if it's in your backyard - or reconnect with someone you haven't spoken to in years.
If you have never done so, I recommend downloading the App called 'The Chosen' and watch the story of Jesus in a way I can only describe as life changing.
Pr Michael Chapman
Gateway Church Pastor
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