Sochi

Ask me about the Superbowl, and I'm ho-hum.  But when it comes to the Olympics, I'm all there.  I can't explain it, but at least I have comrades that are of like-mind:  we can't get enough of the Olympics when they're here.  Speaking of "comrades," this year's Winter Games are in Sochi, which is in Russia. Much has been made of security, and a few other issues which aren't anywhere as important as ... security.  We've been praying for safety and protection for everyone there in Sochi, that this event would go on peacefully, as it is designed to do:  bring the countries together in peace.

Tonight we watched some snowboarding, freestyle skiing, and ice skating as well - all of which takes place before the Opening Ceremonies.  Does this make sense to anyone?  Apparently this is part of a trend - next Olympics they may do the Closing Ceremonies first.  

But seriously, we thought for a while that the Opening Ceremonies were tonight.  That is, first.  Before the actual events.  Which would make sense, as they're called the "Opening" ceremonies.  But in fact, tonight we were treated to quite a few events, and of course some long-winded and uninteresting banter about the political state of Russia and its current president.  Which of course is exactly why we tuned in, right?  Uh... no.

ANYWAY, all this took place after Madison went to bed.  She still has school tomorrow, despite the threat of winter weather sweeping by tonight.  Yes, we had flurries.  I didn't see any, but I heard we had flurries.  No accumulations resulted, but remember last time when they said we'd get a dusting, and instead we got a few inches of snow?  The end result is a slight sense of paranoia and overdoing it, which we were already good at beforehand.  Now we're really good at overdoing it!

I'm glad the Opening Ceremonies are tomorrow night though:  that means Madison can watch them with us. We'll all snuggle on that little bed upstairs and watch them together - it'll be nice.

Today Madison was at school, of course.  It was chilly outside, in the twenties again this morning.  We had ballet this afternoon, which was enjoyable for Madison.  She's practicing for her upcoming recital, and making friends there as well.  She got home and took a bath, which was slightly overdue.  This gave us enough time for stories to tell at bedtime, including a few chapters from the Bible.

The rest of the day was writing, or reading, and a little bit of cleaning as well.  Madison continued her tradition of hiding in her room when Daddy comes up to wish her a good night (and read to her).  This time, however, she wasn't under the bed.  This time, she was in the bathroom with the door shut.  I could tell because she was holding on to the doorknob and twisting enough to draw attention to the fact that she was in there.  Nevertheless, we go through the motions and announce, "She's not under the bed, I wonder where she could be?  Maybe she's in the bathroom, I can see the light on in there."

Instantly, the light turns off.

"Oh, the light must have gone out by itself in there!"

Of course, moments later, she pops out and yells, "Boo!"  This is what she does.  It's a fun routine each night, and morning.  And I wouldn't have it any other way.  So back to the Olympics we go here - like I said, it's addictive watching for us.  Until then, here's a devotional bit written some time ago about the Olympic Ceremonies, which take tomorrow.  Not tonight.

“Nations will come to Your light, and kings to the brightness of Your dawn.” Isaiah 60:3 NIV

Each Olympics the nations of the world gather together under the light of a radiant flame, gathering in peace and united in one purpose. It’s a remarkable sight!

Now imagine for a moment, all countries across the globe gathering in peace and in one purpose, coming to His light.

It is God’s will – His desire is that no one should perish. This is why Jesus gave us the Great Commission: “Go into all the world.  Preach the good news to everyone.”

The Olympic Games are a World Showcase – it’s an opportunity to see a parade of nations, flags and cultures.  And as you see the athletes proudly representing their countries, remember God’s love for them and their people.  And remember the missionaries serving within their borders to share the good news.

As you think on these things, take time to pray for the nations of the world – that they would come to His light.