A reminder of what it takes to succeed in life

The shroud of Turin once brought fame
to this Italian town.
But now Torino boasts The Games
with bobsleds racing down.

There’s ecstasy in downhill runs,
in slalom and in jumps.
But don’t forget the agony
as some fall on their rumps.

There’s skating, hockey, curling too.
Those alpine nights are cold.
But nothing warms these athletes
like striving for the gold.

With practiced skill they show their stuff.
in hopes that they will place.
And though their bodies push and strain,
they move on wings of grace.

What seems so easy is quite tough
requiring discipline.
These hearty souls have paid the price
and now they’re cashing in.

In winter sports or daily life,
the bottom line’s the same.
You can’t stand on the podium
unless you’ve stood the pain.

So as you watch The Games tonight,
take stock in what you see.
Success requires working hard.
The payoff’s never free.

Exploring the spirituality of Super Bowl Sunday

The seats are filled with worshipers.
Their voices chant and cheer.
It’s really almost spiritual.
You’d think that God was here.

They raise their hands and close their eyes.
They bow their heads and pray.
What happens next? They genuflect
and then they start to sway.

A wave of praise moves through the crowd.
They stand up to confess
allegiance to the pigskin god
while clad in their team’s dress.

Like Romans back in Caesar’s time
they watch the sacrifice.
Atonements made on grassy turf
with blood and pain and ice.

And so on this blest holiday
true followers abound.
But church is not the sacred place.
Ford Field is holy ground.

But what of that which matters more
than touchdowns, pads and rings?
Must God be sidelined, sacked or snubbed
for such less noble things?

Can true devotion that we see
this Sunday every year
be matched by what we see in church?
This day’s a somber mirror.