I am sure that you have been watching the Olympics. There is no way around it in some ways. Every time you turn on the media, there is news about someone winning, falling, or about to win. I am always sad to hear someone say that someone has failed because they only won silver or a bronze. Geez, they are only the second or third best in the world at that given time!
I am always impressed by the torch relay. It requires the participation of many over a long haul. It also requires that persons be willing to carry the torch. Willingness is always a litmus test in the faith. There seems to be more un-willingness in many churches that are dying. The only willingness in some is that the church will remain the same unto death.
You may not know it but there are some games played each Sunday in some churches. They are played willingly by those who are mostly unwilling. Maybe you recognize them. These games go on especially during the summer. Maybe you need to award a medal to those who excel!
Parking Lot Dash- This race is held each Sunday at the conclusion of the service. The runners are off and running at the last "Amen" of the service. Some have even been known to get a head start by leaving during the last verse of the last hymn. Shame on them! It is also known as "Beat the (insert other churches) to the Restaurant" game.
Back Pew (Seat) Dash-This race is for those who have been running for quite a while. It is the ability to get to church in time to get a seat on the last pew or seat. Normally this athlete would want the front seats to a concert or other games. But on Sunday, it is the best view of the entire congregation and place where sleeping is least noticed.
Offering Plate Relay-This is a race requiring great agility and concentration. It is the ability to pass the offering plate fast enough so that no one will notice if you put anything in it or not. Some have been known to place "empty" offering envelopes so as to appear to participate. The ushers have their own race as to how quickly the offering can be taken.
Five Verse Marathon-This marathon is the number of verses it takes to get someone to respond to the invitation at the conclusion of the service. At some special services held, this can turn into a variable verse marathon meaning someone will have to come forward so that this song can end.
Sanctuary High Hurdles-This is an event caused by those who refuse to sit in the center of the aisle or pew. Therefore, when others come and want to be seated, they must crawl over or jump over those who will not move while never breaking pace. The world record for this is a twelve person jump recorded by a young visitor to the "I Will Not Be Moved Church of the Holy Spirit". The visitor never returned to attempt to break the record.
The Spiritual Javelin and Hammer Throw-Each Sunday this is the word spears and hammers thrown by those who would criticize the pastor, choir, deacons, elders, Sunday School teachers, janitors, secretary, crying babies, children, youth, ---anyone who needs a good word jab or two. It doesn't matter who the target is. The medalist in this event usually has an extended experience in gossip and slander.
On second thought, maybe these ought NOT to be awarded medals! Maybe these are games that we can "unwill" ourselves to be a part of or recognize with a medal.
Pray for me as I pray for you.
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