Don't Waste Your Retirement

The World…

So that is quite the topic – the WORLD.  How do we get our heads around all that is going on across the planet.  Everywhere we look there is famine, war, greed, deception and lies from the press, snarky comments from our leaders – at least that’s the way it looks to us from what we get our eyes on or what we hear. 

Several days ago I found myself frustrated with both the political right and the political left for slinging mud, for identity politics in the place of discussing the real issues, for leaders gone crazy with power, for every day folks in many nations having agendas crammed down their throats that they have no desire to swallow.  So I vowed to do a media “fast” for a week, all eyes and ears away from any news source.  A big challenge for me since I travel to Europe regularly and feel a deep responsibility to be informed of all news, not only here in the states, but overseas, as well.  Nonetheless, I quietly committed to it, not telling anyone until I was well into my second day and realizing I could actually do this.

For clarity, I do have to say I spend no time on social media (except to post blogs!) – I’m just referencing the actual news I read to be sure I stay informed.  Nor do I watch any newscast – the talking heads are just too much for me.  I only read a variety of news sources from around the globe.  And for more clarity, I did ask our older son who stays incredibly informed to send me any news that he thought I absolutely had to have, even if it interrupted my fast.  10 days into my fast, I have yet to hear from him!

Then we started getting pictures from our youngest son and his family on vacation in the Caribbean – relaxed, smiling, laughing, water dancing, joyful.  I realized we could all live like that if we didn’t have to ingest the constant stream of negative, sometimes earth shattering, news.  And I realized that I, too, was on a different kind of vacation that brought me more smiles and a lighter heart, spending my freed up minutes and hours to put “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable” (Philippians 4:8) into my mind and heart.  I began to think my impulsive commitment was not so foolish after all.

…vs. the Olympic Games in Paris

And thankfully, during this wonderful fast from all news sources, we now have a much needed break from the WORLD stage by seeing a refreshing side of our world through the lens of the Olympic Games.  We’ve been faithfully watching the Games in Paris, especially track and field at the Stade de France since Bob coached track for decades and had great success.  To a certain extent, it is somewhat like watching the news because there is so much commentary running, glimpses into all things Parisian and interviews with athletes from all over the world.  

But oh my goodness, is the tone and tenor different from the daily news I’ve been avoiding.  There is hope, there is unity and camaraderie, celebration, encouragement…even in the midst of defeat.  Athletes are rejoicing over others’ wins, even in their own disappointment.  Kind words flow in praise of coaches and families who support these amazing efforts.  There’s no sarcasm and no animosity, even in the midst of fierce competition for the gold.  It’s 2 weeks of being a faithful fan of the US (or other countries) and our spirits being lifted by watching athletes enthusiastically and sometimes dramatically reach their goals.

One amazing race was the Men’s 1500 meter on Tuesday.  As the runners approached the finish of the race, a US runner was making an effort to pass on the inside lane, but was cut off and found himself in a difficult situation.  Miraculously, a runner pulled a bit away from the inside and enough of lane 1 was open for the American to forge ahead and win the race.  In his interview he said “God pushed me through.”  He later said the lane opening up for him to move was a “divine” action.  Now there’s some encouragement that the world got to hear!

My fast from the news continues – into a second week.  I don’t know when I’ll reengage with the WORLD news again – it’s been so refreshing to take a break.  I’m sure there will be something to draw me back – if not out of necessity, out of sheer interest.  But I pray I will be carrying with me the joy of the Olympic lens on the world – where we are all kinder, more compassionate, and where truth is spoken because scores and numbers don’t lie.  All of us could take a lesson from watching good sportsmanship play out.  And of course, per my previous post on being an Olympian for Jesus, I’m praying God reminds me daily to not waste my retirement and to live my life for His eternal gold.