The Olympics and Prayer

So have you been watching the Olympics?  I usually have them on, but am trying to read at the same time -- so it's a good thing I have DVR to rewind.  If it weren't for Michael Phelps, team USA would not even be close to China in the medals race.  Phelps is pretty incredible, huh?  And it seems that the golds he has won are in the events analysts said he would have the most difficulty with.  Could very well be that he will leave China with 8 golds!

Maybe it's just me, but are you getting a little tired of seeing Phelp's mother?  Even when another American won the anchor leg of the race Sunday night, the cameras seemed glued to her.  Enough!  

OK, enough grumping.  Beverly and Kayci and I were talking the other night as we watched the Olympics, and we were trying to think of cities in the southern hemisphere that have ever hosted.  Did you know there are only two?  Melbourne and Sydney, Australia.  I wonder why that is?  You would think Johannesburg or Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro or several other cities could be good choices.      

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I'm reading Yancey's book, Prayer, and came across "A Franciscan Benediction."  I can't remember if I have shared this before, but thought it was worth citing.

May God bless you with discomfort

At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships

So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger

At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,

So that yo may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears

To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,

So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and

To turn their pain into joy.

And may GOd bless you with enough foolishness

To believe that you can make a difference in the world,

So that you can do what others claim cannot be done

To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Amen.