The Marvel of the Olympics

There is so much to admire about the Olympics – the achievements of the athletes, the willingness of countries to put aside their political differences to join in a peaceful endeavor, and the host country’s astounding accomplishment in developing a village with the complete infrastructure of a small nation. Yes, there are issues of security, weather, comfort, etc. This is a global event, representing many moving parts and countless hopes and dreams — many items on my prayer agenda!

What has come to me is the larger, grander message of the Olympics, a message that serves to lift us all above the things that would try to divide us: we are a global community united in bearing witness to the human spirit to strive for excellence, overcome limitations of every kind, and to honor each other’s achievements, whether as winners or valiant underdogs. 

All the perceived walls of division and separation come down as the entire world joins together to respect and honor and cheer excellence. We watch in awe of the individual and collective achievements of these fine men and women.

Doesn’t your heart burst open when you see the one or two athletes representing their entire country, proudly carrying their flags in the opening ceremonies parade? They may not have the opportunity to win their events, but it is clear they have won already by overcoming so many barriers to stand and strive with each other.  

I love the tapestry of hundreds of flags waving and weaving together, symbolizing the intent of a shared camaraderie and goodness. All the athletes and nations, showing up to be counted, going on record to stand for an ideal that blesses humanity – proclaiming, all one body we.

Yes, this marvelous lesson from the Olympics is what I am praying daily to support, and I expect to see glorious proof!

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Virginia Harris is a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science spiritual healing with an office in Wellesley. She was on the faculty of Harvard Medical School’s symposium ‘Spirituality & Healing in Medicine’ and today is a public speaker to medical audiences. More from Ginny at www.VirginiaHarris.com.