Welcome to “Athlos” a weekly blog which examines pillars of personal excellence and regularly brings together the worlds of Christian spirituality and sport.
Heard
“Regarding the words that you have heard, because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, when you heard how I spoke against this place, and against its inhabitants…I have also heard you says the Lord”-2 Kings 22:18-19
Humbled
Thank you for joining me in Week 6 of our mini-series on life-changing listening. It continues to amaze me that enthroned in heavenly majesty is a God that opens his ear to the cries of humanity. The spiritual journey is a nuanced one with numerous worldviews and diverse faith traditions. Across the spectrum we often find ways to unite, especially but not only, through pain and hardship.
We also come together in times of celebration. If you have any doubt, look at what is happening now in England and Spain with both of their teams reaching their first ever final at the current Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Crisis unites. Sport unites. Let me add another: prayer unites. Whatever our religious belief, we do not hesitate to pray for each other. Those who are fearful of sounding religious would, at least, offer thoughts and good wishes in times of human need.
Prayer is grounded in humility. The act of prayer assumes a Divine Being, a Creator larger than us in whom we put our faith and trust. Christian spirituality emphasizes union and communion with the Holy Trinity as a grateful response to love, mercy and grace. Consider, then, Josiah above who became king at the age of eight. He responded with penitence and contrition when he heard the divinely inspired words from the Law. His immediate concern was whether his generation had truly listened to their spiritual Father. It appeared to him that his ancestors were out of sync with the pathway of truth and that those he currently took charge of were equally blameworthy. What he heard humbled him.
Do we listen with humility? I mean, truly listen. Are we open to change, to other perspectives and new thoughts? Are we attentive or dismissive, open or stubborn, moldable or unmovable? Every new day provides an opportunity to evaluate how we listen.
Heartfelt
God notices how we listen. The evidence is that he delights in humble hearts that hear.
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.
This Post Has 2 Comments
It was not understood at the time so i would question the company’s expenditure in sport related equipment, buildings and events.
It was a eureka moment when the realization became clear that when we PLAY together the unity extend to the workplace bringing incalculable tangible benefits to the organization.
Yes, Crisis Unites; Sports (PLAY) Unites;’ Prayer Unites
This is such a helpful insight, Donan. We often connect through play, leisure and sport where the environment and atmosphere are less intense and more welcoming. Sport proclaims a message of unity to which we ought to listen.