Olympic brilliance

Recently I was talking with someone who had competed for Mexico in the 1976 and 1980 Olympics. Now, more than 40 years later, he continues to work as a coach in his field. But those Games happened long enough ago that he wasn’t often asked, I could tell, about his experiences.

When I did inquire, a bright glow immediately came over him. We had a bit of a language barrier, but it was clear that his memories weren’t focused on what the judges or the audiences thought. As he spoke he was immersing himself once more in the great joy of the experience overall. And later, I didn’t even think to research how he had placed. What shone brighter than any shiny medals was his obvious love of participating!

Meeting him has changed how I am going to be watching the 2022 Winter Olympics. My perspective is going to be a little less medal-based and more quality-based. Our interaction has reminded me that what defines the substance of the Olympics – and, really, of life itself – is qualities more than medals.

What I’ve learned in applying the precepts of Christian Science in my life (including in athletics) is that what we each are as God’s individual, unique creation is what matters most. Jesus encouraged us to “judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). I’ve found that the most effective way to approach this is grounded on a desire to discern the profoundly substantial spiritual qualities that God expresses in each of us, and that we can demonstrate in any endeavor.

This is because the infinitude of God is reflected in the infinitely capable nature of God’s creation. Mary Baker Eddy, the woman who founded the Monitor, states: “God fashions all things, after His own likeness.... Man and woman as coexistent and eternal with God forever reflect, in glorified quality, the infinite Father-Mother God” (“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” p. 516).

Reflecting God’s nature is about more than simply being a decent person; it’s about the magnitude of good that God is constantly upwelling in each of us as His spiritual and pure children. It’s a joy to acknowledge this true, spiritual nature, and to be open to the ways in which God works in us. God’s brilliant qualities, such as unwavering devotion, grace, energy, joy, and goodness – aren’t at all short-lived. They remain active not just for a few hours, but permanently.

Such qualities are fully present in us all, waiting only to be acknowledged and expressed. Whether Olympians or not, each of us can experience for ourselves how invigorating and satisfying it is to nurture the reflection of God’s qualities within our hearts.

One of my favorite things to do is quietly pray for inspiration about nurturing a specific quality throughout the day. My most recent choice was calmness. It was something I had fun doing, just between me and God. In the many things I did that day, I started by acknowledging God’s presence, acknowledging the mighty power of God’s expression of peace in me and everyone. This shift in thought brought tangible progress in my work.

Many sports are timed. Some are measured. Others are judged. It may be, though, that whatever activities we’re involved in – athletic or otherwise – are first and foremost an opportunity for the supremely good nature of God to shine through. As the Bible puts it, “I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily” (Colossians 1:29). That’s what we can be rooting and striving for – God working in each of us, mightily and brilliantly.