A summer of sport!

From the Manse......

For some, the fact that the English football season has finished, gives them the opportunity to breathe a sigh of relief and to look forward to the respite that the summer always brings.

However, with this year being 2018, there is only a very short period without the beautiful game as the World Cup finals in Russia begin on 14th June and run through to 15th July.

As always the summer is packed full of various sporting events of all kinds. We have Wimbledon, the Henley Royal Regatta, England Cricket Test series against India, Pakistan, and One Day internationals against Australia.

There is also the Tour de France, The British Grand Prix, the Women's Hockey World Cup and the World Karate Championships, the World triathlon series, golf's The Open, The Derby and Royal Ascot.

In London, the Athletics World Cup 2018 is happening along with the London Anniversary Games.

Thinking about Athletics, I am reminded of Eric Liddell, he whose story and the account of his faith and his convictions were portrayed in the Oscar-winning 1981 film, Chariots of Fire.

On one occasion when asked to make a speech, Eric Liddell stated that "Over the gate of Pennsylvania University are inscribed these words, 'In the dust of defeat as well as in the laurels of victory there is a glory to be found if one has done his best."

This summer will see teams and individuals win and loose in all types of sporting competitions. Athletes and players alike might find themselves on the losing side, even though they have achieved a personal best or performed at a level much higher than that which they usual attain.

St. Paul on a number of occasions drew parallels between the Christian life and sporting competitions. As we seeks to faithfully follow in the footsteps of Jesus, may we know and experience the glory to be found if we have done and offered him our best in all that we do, seek and are.

With love and God Bless,

Keith