Tuesday, August 9, 2016

The Fast Do Not Always Win

I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn't always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don't always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time. (Ecclesiastes 9:11)

Thoughts: As I watch the Olympics, it is obvious that the best person doesn't always win. Sometimes the best person gets nervous and blows it; sometimes they get hurt; sometimes they get overlooked because the right person was not watching to see their ability.  The classic story is that the artist is starving while alive but famous after death (El Greco, Van Gogh).  Smart people may not always have a lot of money or popularity.  A 2007 Ohio State study indicated that smart people may not have any more than people with lower IQ.  Smart people may have higher income but may be in debt or made bad investments.  This seems ironic.  For the fastest, the strongest, the smartest and the most skilled it may seem unfair.  But there is more to life than just talent.  There is also a God-factor to motivate, inspire, help someone sacrifice in order to do more than they are physically capable of doing.  It is this mystery, that makes sports not totally predictable, and frankly fun.  

Prayer; Help me, Lord, to trust in you instead of in my own abilities.  Help me also to not be overawed at human abilities- which can be fickle.  

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