Encouragement

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In the crazy lead up to Christmas our lives seem saturated with activity and events. In Australia the rush is well and truly on to get "everything done by Christmas." For some reason we all get very obsessed with getting those jobs, those projects, or whatever else, done by Christmas. And sneaking under our busy radar is an event of national and international significance. This week sees the return visit of the English cricket team to Australia, attempting to retain the Ashes Trophy they so thrillingly won two years ago. The Australian team is ready to win back the trophy; all the seats are sold out and we look forward to another epic contest. Australia will probably win easily as the conditions will suit the home team. England are not as strong as they were two years ago, but in spite of our confidence Australia has a key weakness that some fear may come to bite us!

The Aussie team are the 'old guys' of international cricket. Our best two bowlers and our two opening batsmen are all in their mid to late thirties. Our 'young' team members hover around 30 years of age. One young player in his early twenties, who will probably play because of another's injury, is affectionately known by the team as 'pup'. Now to many the thought that guys in their late 30s are old seems a little over the top, but when it comes to elite athletes there is no doubt that these heroes have well and truly passed their prime.

To a child life seems to be a long and endless journey. The anxiety and pressure of adolescence is replaced by a brief window we call the twenties. As our physical peak comes and goes we are busied with study and work, relationships and life. Before we know it we are a 'cricket has-beens' on the way to middle age. Other sporting stars seem to fade even earlier, peaking in the pool at 15 and being yesterday's hero at 25.

There are a couple of verses in the Bible that first caught my attention as a young man, assuring us that even young men grow weary and tired. To those in the middle of their lives, these verses speak of a hope that is beyond this physical world with its aging limitations. To seniors whose bodies at times frustrate and annoy their still agile and perceptive minds, the verses reinforce that we live in hope. To those who are ill or less than physically perfect, there is a hope beyond our body's limitations. To a friend whose sharp mind is locked in a disabled body without speech, held captive by severe cerebral palsy, these verses are not surprisingly his favourites in Scripture.

When our hope is beyond this material world, our hope indeed springs eternal.

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40: 30-31, NIV

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