Going For Zinc Alloy. By Meryl McKean

    I’ve been dipping into the Winter Olympics, intrigued by some of the sports included. I still haven’t got my head round the intricacies of curling, and as for the luge doubles, I struggle to see how the person underneath can breath, let alone contribute to controlling the run! I'm amazed at the levels attained by some of the athletes, it is a world full of glory for some, disappointment for others. What they all have in common is a story of how they got the where they are, each one different but each with elements of sacrifice, singlemindedness, hard work and opportunity.

When I tell you that back in September my son completed a 5k run, you may well be underwhelmed. It is the story behind this achievement though that makes it worthy of a mention. Two years previously he suffered an injury playing football. One of the main ligaments in his knee was torn (the ACL). This meant he could no longer use that leg properly. He was on crutches for months and living on his own in a first floor flat with no lift it wasn’t easy. He was also commuting to London for a new job! He needed support. The healing was slow, yet he navigated the challenges. I watched as he set regular alarms throughout the day to do his physio. He gradually regained his independence.  When he had the go ahead from the physio he started to run. It took months to build up strength and movement in the knee but that 5k run was more like a marathon in my eyes. The cheap medal he won symbolised something far beyond it’s worth.

As writers it is good to have God given goals. We can work hard, give what we can and gradually hone  our skills so we reach those goals.  We rejoice as some achieve award winning books and a great following. There are many of us though who are starting from a very different place. Let’s not be comparing ourselves to each other. Our goals need to suit our ability, our capacity and our back story. Step by step we can grow in strength. We may, like many athletes, need to pick ourselves up after a disappointment but let’s not give up, we can go again with fresh strength, new ideas and an achievable goal. What are your goals for this year?

‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus,…’ 
Hebrews 12 v 1 – 2a NIV

Bio

Meryl McKean loves writing devotionals and poems and has had a few articles published over the years as well as using her writing in her work. Recently she was encouraged being placed 3rd in an ACW competition. She wants her writing to be a tool which helps others draw closer to God. She is married to Andy and lives in Bedford where she loves exploring the countryside with her camera in hand. Her day job as a member of her church staff leadership team is full of challenges and opportunities.