For the past two weeks we've been bombarded with televised reports, newspaper articles, web updates, and radio commentaries on the latest news from Beijing. Who won the gold? Who broke yet another world record? Is so and so really old enough to compete? Do the Chinese really eat "that" on a regular basis?

Even though I didn't watch everything from start to finish, I enjoy hearing the behind the scenes reporting; the little trivia facts that add to the character and depth of a person. I can't tell you who won what, but I can tell you the background stories of Michael Phelps and the two sand volleyball players, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh!

In a few weeks the best sport of all (I realize that my opinion is not shared with everyone….yet!) begins. Watching pro football on Sunday afternoons (especially the Chiefs) and the Missouri Tigers, who take the field on Saturdays, is the best recreational activity one can partake of during the weekend. I'm prepared to wear black and gold one day and red the next!

When I taught at Hope, Friday nights were busy with volleyball matches in the fall of the year followed shortly thereafter with basketball games. These events, along with the spirit of enthusiasm surrounding the Olympics and other sporting events seem to me to contrast greatly with the spirit behind our Christian faith and lifestyle.

We scream, rejoice, and slap other spectators hands over a spectacular play or a last second win that takes place, but when's the last time we cheered boldly that we are forgiven saints? I know for me it wasn't this morning when the alarm clock went off…but why not? It's another day to live in God's grace, something that is worth shouting about!

Just some questions for us to ponder: Why is Christ's message not always the main thing? Why do we not cheer boldly that we are forgiven? Why isn't it the key topic of conversation at work on Monday morning when asked, "How was your weekend?" Why is it that we feel comfortable talking to our neighbor about the incredible play that resulted in a win, but have a hard time uttering anything concerning our faith and the victory won for us?

Behind the scene plays are sometimes the ones that bring others to Christ. It's the things we do and subtly say or don't say that grab other people's attention. But I also realize that there are times that we can't be a behind the scenes player. The main question is: Am I making an eternal difference to others?

Please pray with me this week that through our actions and words, along with the Holy Spirit, we can be a bold witness for Christ.

Enjoying the ride,

Jane