Watching for Inspiration
Tuesday, August 26th, 2008Gold! Silver! Bronze!
Weren’t the Olympics amazing? Can we ever forget watching Michael Phelps finish race after race, breaking records and winning gold? And what about the amazing performances of American and international athletes in women’s gymnastics, track and field and the many team sports? In front of our televisions and in Bejing, we rooted for predestined heroes and little known underdogs. Across the country and around the world, for two weeks, young and old, rich and poor, Western and Eastern, women and men and children gathered to share in the triumphs and tragedies of sports at the highest level.
Best of all, as we watched, we allowed ourselves to join the world community, to care about athletes we had never met. From the opening ceremonies where light and sound and human movement became cultural art to the closing ceremonies with its fantastic celebration of humanity, we experienced each other. We looked into faces from other places and saw ourselves. At the Olympics, there was no discussion of border disputes or international deadlines or imperialistic invasions. No accusations or prejudices or threats. Wasn’t it wonderful?!
A commentator on NBC may have best described the possibilities inherent in this momentary peace:
If we can do for two weeks, why not three and then four…
Now with the Olympics behind us, we in America have two more television events this next month to draw our collective attention and inspire us: the Democratic and Republican conventions. The Democrats began last night with heart-lifting speeches by Ted Kennedy, Jesse Jackson Jr. and Michelle Obama, and then again tonight as Hillary thrilled the crowd. As we leaned in to listen, each of them told us their American story and asked us to envision our most passionate dreams for this country. In the coming days, others will do the same in their own personal ways both in Denver and later in Minneapolis.
I don’t know your political leanings, but whatever you believe, this is a great time to continue to build on the patriotic inspiration we felt during the Olympics. Remembering the amazing athletes we watched in Bejing, I would ask you to put aside cynicism and listen, really listen to the speakers we will hear at each of the conventions. Set aside disgust for those who disagree with you. Embrace those who offer their commitment to this country. Let yourself be inspired to believe in the future. Remember those moments during the Olympics when your heart pounded with hope for the athletes, and bring that sense of excitement to your television viewing of our political conventions as we journey toward the Greater Good for America.
When we allow ourselves to be inspired about our politics, we can be a blessing!
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