My Search for Olympic Glory
OK, so I didn’t make the Olympics. But it was only because my sport is yet to be recognised. Speed eating hasn’t caught the attention of the Olympic committee.
 My best times are in the Weet-Bix and So Good division. Being a vegetarian keeps me out of the heavyweight meat-and-spud division although we—the vegetarians—are appealing that raw Nutmeat without sauce is actually harder to swallow than meat with gravy.
I did think about trying out for the volunteer contingent for the Olympics as a back-up plan. I wanted to commit myself for service, volunteering to, perhaps, escort athletes on and off the field. Or take the winners to press conferences (where I could wave to the cameras, to friends back home). Or firing the starter’s gun (I could practise how to say “set” with that deep voice).
I thought about being the guy at the top of the ski jump helping competitors into the race until I realised I was thinking about the wrong Olympics—the winter Olympics.
Then I imagined that if I had volunteered I would probably end up being one of those who helped clean up the stands after the crowds had gone home. Well, obviously I didn’t want to do that. Obviously.
So I watched the Olympics at home on theTV. Just like everyone else.
Just like everyone else!
And I thought about sweeping the stands at the end of the day. If I’d been able to take on that kind of job, at least I would be there. Not like everyone else.
About then it occurred to me that in being willing to take on only the more glamorous assignments I hadn’t seen the possibilities. By placing these kinds of conditions on our service we can lose an opportunity.
True service is about fulfilling need. That’s a lesson in life that’s greater than Olympic glory. As well, serving others isn’t something you can only do overseas. Look around.
Right now I’m preparing for the 2008 Olympics. I recently did a PB (Olympic talk for personal best) in speed eating. I’m also doing a lot of sweeping around the house—just in case.
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Bruce Manners (left) is senior pastor of
the Avondale College church.