Current Events – Triathlon, Vick, Kennedy

Indeed it has been awhile since my last update, but it’s not that I haven’t thought about updating. I have – but I guess when it came down to putting it in writing, well, then life just happened. Things I’ve been thinking about but clearly just passing thoughts since after a day or two, the subject passed or was replaced but the next compelling subject or current event. I guess I do have A.D.D.

I wanted to write about doing my first triathlon – no, I did not drown and yes, I still cannot float, but I did survive. Actually, we, doing it with my girlfriends, all survived. It was so fun training together, and every training session was a reminder of the Christian walk. It requires discipline, dedication, and focus. I had to keep reminding myself to “find the cross”, whether I was running down a sidewalk, on a treadmill, swimming in a pool or lake, or biking the road or spinning in a gym class. The cross is everywhere, and when I focus on it, He sustains me. The simple act of discipline in training and not giving up is so minute compared to the suffering Jesus went through for me. He didn’t give up for such a grand task and responsibility – I surely can handle the physical and mental challenge He’s given me the mind, body, and heart to conquer.

Then Michael Vick signed by the Eagles? How funny is it that the days after the announcement, my company angry calls and emails against what “we” did. Yes, we have branding rights over the stadium, but our relationship to Eagles management? Anyhow, I was thinking about the Philadelphia “welcome” of Vick to the Eagles – typical angry fans, Philly style. I don’t really follow sports – I just really like playing them – but as I thought about the negative reactions the public was expressing against him and the Eagles for signing him, I couldn’t help but think of me, a wretched person who does horrible things daily, whether it’s expressed publicly or just in mind and thought, and yet my Heavenly Father still accepts me and welcomes me with open arms. Vick served his sentence and seems to be truly sorry for what he did. Who am I to judge? That sin thing really sucks.

And more recently, just this past week, the passing of Senator Teddy Kennedy. Can’t say I personally knew the man, but I surely do have a lot of respect for him. Yes there were poor decisions along the way with Chapaquick and other things I’m sure, but again, who am I to judge? To see and hear his “foes” from a political standpoint get teary eyed about his death is a testament to the skill and dedication of this man.

I used to say to my family that I wanted to become the President so I could change things – make things right – fix everything that’s messed up. Yes, idealistic but I guess that's how I'm tuned. Yesterday they were showing replays of Kennedy’s speech back in the 70s, relinquishing his fight for ever running for President, and instead, committing to serving the American people through his Senate seat. I couldn’t help but ponder whether I too would one day enter the political spectrum. I claim that politicians are not effective and government itself is just too bureaucratic and inefficient. But as I was listening to them playback some of the success of Teddy Kennedy, I was impressed. The things that he fought for and won are real actions that have affected me… title IX for example. One day, we’ll see. I don’t think I could be the President – I’m not such a fan of debating. But then again, politicians debate and argue a lot too, but we’ll see where life leads. Well, right now at least, live day by day... learning to follow His lead.