Opening Ceremonies
August 9, 2008
I just got done watching four hours of non-stop Olympic opening ceremony action from Beijing and I am in awe. That was by far the most entertaining live (semi-live) event I have ever watched.
Growing up the Olympics stood for much more than mere athletics. It was about democracy versus communism. In the innocence of childhood the passion of the moment makes you believe it’s good versus evil. Years later you watch awe inspiring moments as the ceremonies unfold and realize there is still so much that is the same. The political tension surrounding these Olympics have intensified their meaning.
I think the Olympics somehow unify God’s most valuable creation. I remember hearing an interview recently from two Americans who were two of the first black men to compete for the United States in the Olympics. I cannot remember the details of which Olympics it was but I remember them saying that them finally being allowed to compete in the Olympics was what helped institute some form of racial acceptance in our country.
It’s the one time every four years where we all agree on something. Put aside all the political junk and I think we can all agree that at least in the unity of it all, God smiled!
Plus, did you see those two-thousand, eight-hundred drummers? Amazing. Then the large canvas with dancers painting while dancing? Then the blocks moving? Wow.
RD
