Mining for Gold

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

What we can learn from Olympic athletes

Those athletes who mine for gold
are born quite gifted (so I’m told).
But skill alone is not enough.
It’s discipline that counts.

You gotta work to win the prize.
A high IQ won’t make you wise.
An inbred talent is a gift,
but practice mines its worth.

You’re musical? Well, that’s a start.
But to achieve a work of art,
you must invest what friends may waste
and spend much time alone.

The same is true in terms of grace.
When we (by faith) the Lord embrace,
we’re gifted and at one with Him
but have a ways to go.

A life of disciplined resolve
is that to which we have been called.
Much time alone with God Himself
fine-tunes a life of faith.

Christ the Redeemer

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

A means of grace overshadowing Rio

Christ the Redeemer
overshadows Rio
arms outstretched enfolding all
who welcome his embrace.

Christ the Redeemer
speaks (although he’s silent)
timeless words that comfort all
who long to know they’re loved.

Christ the Redeemer
is more than just a symbol.
This stately soapstone sculpture
offers all a means of grace.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_the_Redeemer_(statue)

Rio Olympics Reflections

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

A picture of world peace

In the city where the World Cup
found us watching gifted feet,
athletes from many nations test their skill.
Down in Rio de Janeiro
the Olympic torch burns bright
as the hopes and dreams of hundreds are fulfilled.

There’ll be track and field and swimming,
wrestling, basketball and more.
In the shadow of that giant Christ, they’ll strive
to win the gold or silver
(and if bronze they won’t complain).
Each is grateful that this moment they’re alive.

The eyes of all are focused
on the Summer Games this week.
In a world of terror, such events bring peace.
They find us as one family,
diverse yet fully one.
May the unity of Rio never cease.

The Twenty-third Psalm (Hawaiian style)

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

A tropical reminder of God’s guidance

The Lord is my oarsman.
He steers my canoe
and paddles me safely to shore.
He whispers aloha
and calls me by name
while pointing to what lies in store.

The palm trees that sway
and the tropical breeze
picture all that awaits when I die.
Such beauty, refreshment,
contentment and peace.
And pleasure that money can’t buy.

And though I may falter,
and fall on my face,
the Lord walks with me in the sand.
His goodness surrounds me
and steadies my step.
His mercy will help me to stand.

He bids me draw close,
drapes a lei round my neck
and tells me I’ve nothing to fear.
“I’ll never forsake you.
I’ll always provide
and I promise I’ll always be near.”

The Gospel According to Eight Ball

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

The key to life is found in the center of the rack

Within the middle of the rack
there is one special ball
that has a certain power all its own.
But if pocketed too early,
there’s a penalty to pay.
It’s the ball by which this billiard game is known.

The eight ball is the Lord of all
deserving of respect.
Unlike the stripes and solids, it is king.
By virtue of its right to reign,
this ball dictates the rules.
And those who follow them have right to sing.

The one who wins at last confronts
the eight ball with the cue
and makes the orb of black his final aim.
By honoring its presence,
what is last gives way to first.
Without that ball you cannot win the game.

In life, Christ is the eight ball.
He’s unique unlike the rest.
When we disregard His right to rule, we lose.
But by honoring His order,
we can make the Lord our aim.
That encounter is our purpose. It’s Good News!