Welcome to “Athlos” a weekly Wednesday blog which examines pillars of personal excellence and regularly brings together the worlds of spirituality and sport.
Human Limitation
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord”-Isaiah 55:8
Divine Exaltation
Humans are talented. Yes, this is surely an understatement when we consider what men and women have accomplished in medicine, philosophy, the arts, sport and technology. Those who reach the top of their game are a sight to behold.
However, talented as we are as a species, we have limitations. We make mistakes. Sickness reaches our doorstep from time to time. Death does not discriminate and usually disrupts our sense of stability, unannounced. No matter how we try to prolong our lives, preserve our youth and appear invincible, we come up short.
This reality brings into the spotlight a recent statement from multiple Grand Slam winner, Naomi Osaka, after she lost her tennis title at the 2022 Australian Open. Reuters and other media houses reported her as saying: “I’m not God, I can’t win every match.”
Whether this was a humble admission of human frailty or a defensive retort in the face of disappointment, only Osaka will know. Yet, the content of her statement is powerful. She acknowledged the omnipotence of God and the fallibility of mankind, including the world’s best athletes. No matter how good you are, you cannot always win.
Are you comfortable with that? Can you embrace your weaknesses and limitations with humility and grace? Perhaps you do not see yourself as religious or spiritually minded but something inside of you knows that there is a Higher Power, a Divine Presence that truly runs the show and keeps the universe intact.
Thousands of years ago Old Testament prophet Isaiah, as God’s mouthpiece, reminded his audience that God is literally and spiritually miles and miles ahead of us. There is no comparison. His wisdom and might are unparalleled. Maybe, just maybe, now is an opportune time for all of us to remember that we are not God.
Honest Evaluation
If we keep our humanity in front of us, we will likely live with greater peace, renewed patience and less judgment.
If you were inspired by this blog, please consider sharing it with one other person today. To learn more about these and other related themes that promote the cultivation of an integrated inner self, read UNBEATABLE! which is available on Amazon in print and as an e-book.
