TURIN, Italy - A career so long and sweet ended far too quickly, with tears and heartbreak.
Michelle Kwan heads home from the Turin Olympics empty-handed, betrayed by a body that carried her to nine U.S. championships and five world titles, but no Olympic gold.
“It’s always been a dream to win the Olympics,” Kwan said Sunday, her eyes red and puffy from the tears that flowed for who knows how long. “But I’ve learned it’s not about the gold, it’s about the spirit of it and about the sport itself.”
A new groin injury suffered in her only practice on Olympic ice forced Kwan to withdraw from the U.S. team she made in the first place on a medical bye.
“I have no regrets. I tried my hardest,” she said. “And if I don’t win the gold, it’s OK. I’ve had a great career. I’ve been very lucky. This is a sport, and it’s beautiful.”
WHAT IS PAUL TEACHING US ABOUT THE LIFELONG JOURNEY OF FOLLOWING CHRIST?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes provide some great insight:
3:10 Every Christian is in a continuing education program. The more we know of Christ and his work, the more we are being changed to be like him. Because this process is lifelong, we must never stop learning and obeying. There is no justification for drifting along, but there is an incentive to find the rich treasures of growing in him. It takes practice, ongoing review, patience, and concentration to keep in line with his will.
Are you spending your life striving to be like Jesus? Even though we must wait for Heaven to be truly Christ-like, we must recognize that God is just as concerned about the process as He is about our final destination. He uses the "thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" in our lives to teach us to depend on Him completely.
Michelle Kwan is heartbroken about not getting an Olympic gold medal, but her heart is full of satisfaction because she gave it her all.
At the end of life's journey, will you be able to look back with no regrets?
Thank God that Heavenly "gold" is promised to you through your faith in Jesus Christ! Confess any way in which you may have drifted away from the goal of becoming like Jesus Christ. Thank Jesus that He will take you through the good and bad of life and use it to help you grow in your relationship with Him. Thank Him that even if you never receive earthly rewards, you are a winner in God's eyes!
- Pray every day for Jesus to help you find fulfillment in the journey of spiritual growth.
- Memorize today's verse to keep the goal in focus.
- As you watch the Olympics, let the stories of these dedicated athletes remind you to dedicate yourself to become like Jesus every day.
Daily Devos is published Monday through Friday. Archives can be found at YFC.ORG. Its purpose is to help you apply truths from God's Word every day.
Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been involved with Youth For Christ for 30 years. He's served as Campus Life Staff, as a writer, and in leadership for the DCLA Conferences. Byron is married to Linda and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.