n”He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.nFor by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him.nAnd he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”n~Colossians 1:15-17
nOne of the biggest things that prepares me for competition is remembering the truth about talent. For years I have often allowed my ego, self absorption, and self-centeredness get in the way of remembering really what competition is all about. It’s important for me to remember, especially the day of the meet, that any talent or strength or gifts that I possess are strictly gifts given to me by my Creator.
One of the songs that I often find myself listening to the day of competition is titled “Superstar” by Trip Lee. Here’s just a quick excerpt from that song that keeps my head straight:n”Most cats just can’t fathom that, that I don’t the spotlightnIt’s not right, I’m not tight, I rep Him when I rock micsnSo don’t be looking at me, you see me just look on past menI’m nothing special, just a vessel, service makes me happy
Hey if you looking for a SuperstarnI ain’t the one you searching for, I came to bring some worship, bronHe’s perfect I’m just dirt belownHey if you looking for a SuperstarnDon’t look at me, you got me wrong, I been a sinner all alongnLet’s look at Him and not the songs”
It’s important as I prepare for competition to remember that the position that I’m in is one that I’ve worked hard for, trained consistently for, but ultimately is a gift that I must thank the Giver for. Today as I strap on the shoes and tape my fingers and get ready to compete I couldn’t find myself a more blessed man. Despite the many blessings that surround me, to be given the ability to compete in the sport is a gift that I will cherish for the rest of my life. There’s nothing more fun, nerve-racking, and exhilarating for me than finding myself all alone on a platform facing three judges. The fact that I get this opportunity is a true blessing that I will thank the Lord for every day.
Weightlifting changed my life. I count it as one of God’s refining tools for making me into the man that I am becoming. On that note, today after I have finished competing and all of the lifters are done competing for the day I will be telling the story of what weightlifting has done for my relationship with Christ to anyone who cares to stick around. As part of the Faith RX’d booth, I am excited to share how God has used weightlifting to draw me to Himself and ultimately refine me more into His image.
Today will promise to be a great day. One that I pray diverts eyes from me and points them on toward my God.
Gameday…
nLifting at 5:15pm today here’s that live feed link. http://www.teamusa.org/usa-weightlifting/LIVE