Hockey

Canadians LOVE the Olympics and they LOVE hockey. I wish I had kept track of how many hockey references I've heard in church even... and now that fans from across the country have united to root for one team, I think it's worse. There have been quite a few uncomfortable moments for me as an American who doesn't much care for hockey!

I know it's borderline sacrilegious to say this-- especially considering our proximity to Vancouver-- but I'm tired of the Olympics. It's all anyone can talk about! In some circles there seems to be a thin line between the Olympics and idol worship. I should be clear here, because I am in NO WAY saying that everyone who enjoys the Olympics or watches the Olympics is in sin. I've watched several events myself and enjoyed them. I am only saying that like anything else, the Olympics can be a stumbling block between us and our God. And I do wish the church used the opportunity to speak more to the parallel between the physical games and the spiritual training we undergo to attain eternal rewards. This verse has been on my mind continually this past week or so:

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:25

So let's just all keep a little perspective.

-JLR
ps.. the thought crossed my mind that maybe I should root for Canada in hockey this year... when in Rome... :)

Olympic Torch

Today was a once-in-a-lifetime event for the community in which we live. Langley and Walnut Grove (our area of Langley) hosted the Olympic Torch Relay for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver! The torch has traveled throughout Canada and is spending some time this week in our area before it arrives downtown for the Opening Ceremonies.

One of my favorite parts was the mobile dance party that came around before the torch... it reminded me so much of Tanzania! Kenya, too, actually. We were in Nairobi during the 2008 elections and passed a number of similar vehicles holding bands/dancers/loudspeakers.

Here are a few pictures. We bumped into some friends from our Life Group (the Martins) so Micaiah enjoyed playing with them as we waited.
How very, very exciting!!!

--JLR