Competition/Stress

This can be one of those weeks that divide the world, not necessarily bad and good, just a moment of ‘this is my thing” and “not so much.” The first competition starts now and stretches into the future. In the USA between now and November, each of us of voting age will make a choice of whom to vote for and then have to live with our choice. A tightening of the stomach and a shaking of the head or maybe even a loud shouting voice delineates the sides. “I WON” or “i lost”

My eye was caught by equalizing words now used to make sure a proper variety of people get an opportunity in various situations. I hope medical worker have the chance to study and serve regardless of size, color, country of origin, yet I also hope they are chosen because they were the VERY BEST in the competition. The words that tipped the scales for good hiring by a company used to be diversity, equity, and inclusion – DEI. Now the choice breakers are merit, excellence, intelligence – MEI. Supposedly this first letter change will lessen or remove the possibility of demography hinderances. One more requirement for finding a job.

Ah, and then we come to the most stressful moment for me. I am not competitive.I don’t even like speed games against myself. I was last chosen for a team and hoped that meant that I never got to play. I am on the side of the Astros, yet following them through a season is head shaking. The interlocked rings of the Olympics provide stress from two directions. My country’s status is at stake, and if I read correctly, the winner of gold for swimming trained in Arizona, but won for France. Then my body wants to go back to bed when I read of Bile’s comeback after a mental health rest to perform a twist land named after her. I’m quite satisfied not to be defined by five golden rings.

So if you are a participating politician, a job seeker, a committed vocal fan, or an ever training competitor, be patient with those of us who just try to breath easily, clean the sink after meals, and offer you encouragement as you need it. Trying to do my daily best counts for the scorekeeper who is judging me. I can win the race and also share the victory.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8:37