The day the songbird couldn't sing

It's a beautiful, bright summer day, but I don't feel so beautiful myself. As I tackle the tasks before me, thick clouds of nostalgia are quickly setting in. The birds are singing, but this songbird can't seem to find its tune today. I wish I'd had a warning!

Wow! No singing today? That's totally odd. I sing every day regardless of what's going on or how I feel! Something must be bothering me, but I can't pinpoint it. I feel tired, lacking energy and motivation, much like the prophet Elijah after the incident on Mt. Carmel.

Where did all my energy go overnight? Could it be the so called "mid-life crisis" already peeping in, uninvited? Could it be the stress I've been through lately? ...Too many tasks pending? Yesterday was such a busy day!

"Lord, sometimes I wish someone were here for me too"-- I said to myself. " I don't even know what I need, but you know. I could use some rest, get away from it all... if only I could go hibernate for a bit... I'm sure it'll help. Lord, please renew my strength", I sigh.

The phone rings. My wandering mind hits home quickly. I recognize the name on my caller ID feature and immediately ready myself to minister to this person as needed. Much to my surprise, a cheerful voice speaks the sweetest words I've heard for a while: "I know you're busy today, but I'm just calling to let you know I'm praying for you and I appreciate you greatly. You're so special to me. God bless you and your ministry. I'm also trying to follow your example by picking up the phone and calling, and I wanted to start with you!"

"Oh, dear, you just made my day! Thank you so much! I do need your prayers and appreciate them immensely!"

As we chat a bit, another surprise! She proceeds to recount how she's told this dear old lady at the nursing home, where she works, about me and the handmade greeting card I recently sent her with my own poetry. It turns out her patient is also a writer and wants to meet me. So my friend is trying to arrange for us to exchange pictures, and promises to make plans so we can meet.

I can hardly believe my ears! As if the gloomy clouds were simply wiped away, my heart is now jumping with joy, not because somewone would like to meet me, but because I'm amazed to see and experience the wonderful and mysterious ways in which my Lord works. For some time now I've been ministering to her in more than one ways. A little while ago the Lord met the need of my heart and ministered to me through her! What a blessing!

A simple, unexpected call from a caring friend can work wonders! Today, it came like a glass of ice cold water on a warm, summer day; like a spark that lit my motivation and helped me continue my work in spite of my self doubt and uneasiness this morning. It initiated a chain reaction, prompting me to reach out to others in my usual way and continue to minister as needed. It even caused this silenced songbird to sing its cheery tune again!

I thank God for the wonderful gift of friendship and the difference small things can make in someone's life. What a difference it made in my life today!

Lord, you are always my inspiration and my song. You've assured me that my work for others is never in vain, and that you take care of my needs too. I praise you with all my heart. Help this songbird bring glory to your name.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

What motivates Michael Phelps and other great athletes?

Paul recalled the Olympiads when he wrote: “Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever” 1 Corinthians 9: 24, 25.

Athletes put forth a great deal of effort and discipline to keep their bodies in shape and train for the competition. Endurance and perseverance go hand in hand with these. It takes commitment to carry on, overcoming the obstacles in the way. When not so motivated, focusing on their goal surely ignites the spark of energy that takes them through the rigorous training.

Whether or not an athlete wins gold, silver, bronze, or no medal at all, they’re on a quest for excellence. They are committed to do their best. To win one gold medal is an achievement in itself. But American athlete Michael Phelps won 6 gold and 2 bronze medals in the 28th Olympiads, the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. What an achievement! He has definitely represented well our country and brought more attention to the swimming sport!

A young lady, Kirsty Coventry, won gold, silver and bronze medals representing Zimbabwe. Another great Olympian, Justin Gatlin, saw his dream come true by conquering the 100 meter final race in 9.85 seconds. He is now considered the fastest man in the world. It’s awesome to see these and so many other fine athletes give their best under so much pressure!

Their example of commitment, perseverance and focusing is worth imitating in our daily lives. And I ponder: Am I doing the best I can sometimes or always? Do I try harder because of the recognition anticipated after a big accomplishment or is my quest for excellence obvious even in the smallest, unnoticed tasks? In everything I do, I want to do my best. The prize of doing each task to the best of my abilities might not be a gold, silver or bronze medal, but there’s great satisfaction in a job well done.

Another thought strikes my mind: Regardless of our physical abilities we too are all athletes, competitors in the Olympiads that decide our eternal future. There is a goal most worthy of our commitment and daily focus: Heaven; and a reward more enticing than gold itself: the crown of eternal life.

In this race, we are called to bring attention to Jesus Christ, not ourselves. Are we on a quest for excellence in our walk with the Lord? Are we focused and motivated? Are we persevering or wavering before the obstacles? Each trial endured will strengthen us and make us fit to reach our goal. Our heavenly coach is right by our side each step of the way. His grace made provisions to ensure our own victory and he did not give up, even under the pressure of death. We must not give up! We must focus!

The Apostle Paul’s advice is: “As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds unto us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus on whom our faith depends from beginning to end” (Hebrews 12: 1, 2). When facing trials and difficulties our coach’s words bring encouragement: “…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

Michael Phelps’ name is forever linked with great swimming. I'd like my name to be forever linked to Jesus Christ. It took commitment, effort, patience, great discipline and sacrifices for Michael Phelps and all the other athletes to get to Athens and compete. In the end it is well worth it! It comforts me to know that when we get to heaven we will not have to compete. There will not be one prize better than the other or competitors without a crown. And the trials and sorrows endured will be dimmed by the glory and splendor of heaven and the joy of living with our father. Will you be counted with the achievers? Will your name be forever linked with Jesus? Victory awaits! Are you running to win?

I long to see Jesus face to face, thank him personally for what he's done for me and feel his loving embrace! He is my motivation to run and win!

My Prayer

Dear Jesus: Please, help me represent well The Kingdom of Heaven. Help me stay focused and run to win, and bring glory to your precious name. Amen.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2004