Love that surpasses knowledge - Jes`us, Jesus & the Crossfit Games 2014
Its a cold Saturday night in January, so I figured reminiscing on the July California sunshine would be a good thing to do....in honor of the series.
For the past two summers, I have had the opportunity to tag along on Matts work trip to Manhattan Beach, California for the Crossfit Games. It is always an overwhelming feeling to watch someone's entire work for a year, come to a climatic close in a world wide competition, that is televised on ESPN. Matt owns a Crossfit Gym, calledCrossfit BOLT. In addition to the normal classes he coaches, he also coaches professional level athletes. The "games" as they are referred to, is the ultimate for most athletes in the Crossfit world, at the elite level. For the past 4 years, I have had a sideline pass to watch Matt coach, Cassidy Lance. Watching him program, for her specifically was a lesson in discipline and sacrifice. Over and above their ability to "perform" at the highest level, I watched them both put in serious hours of meticulous training both mentally, and physically. I watched as Matt would specifically train her by working on her weaknesses, and researching the competition. I watched Cass, graciously do whatever He programmed for her, day in, and day out.
The first morning of 10 we spent in California, I noticed a gentleman who was owning the breakfast buffet. If you have ever been around a buffet in a hotel full of people, you know that, that job is no easy task. Matt and I grabbed our plates, and met back up at our table. He reached across the table, we prayed over our food, our time there, the athletes, and everyone involved in the competition. As soon as we said amen, the gentleman I had noticed before was hovering over our table with a smile I will never forget. "Hello brother, and sister! What you are doing is so beautiful, and I am so honored by you, and glad you are here! My name is Jes'us. (please note if you know me I am smiling and hugging and weeping and saying.... of course your name is Jes'us...that looks like Jesus) We were blessed each day to get to know more and more of Je'sus's story. For the past 15 years he had worked at the coffee shop across the street. When he saw the hotel being built, he told us that his daughter was ill, but they didnt have the ability to have insurance, but they believed the Lord would make a way. He then told us some of the executives from the hotel came over to have coffee at his table, and through his service, he was asked to apply to work in the restaurant of the hotel. They would increase his take home pay, and provide him, and his family with insurance. He told us that story to reassure us of our prayers, to encourage us, and cheer us on in our faith. He was so genuine, and so wonderful. Every morning Jes'us met us, saved us the best table, and told us how blessed He was by us. He was so full of JOY.
I took this picture on our last morning with Jes'us. My eyes are puffy, because well...I cry sometimes when I'm happy. He had just told me it was a week he wouldn't forget, and that he loved us, and would be praying for us, because we are family.
Cass went on that day to become the 8th fittest woman in the world. I cried then too. They even awarded her with "most improved" as she ranked 29th the year previous, an award that had never been given before.
Acts 20:23 and following in the message translation says the following
I do know that it won't be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God
I saw that extravagant generosity this summer in actions. I saw it in the way Matt treated me to a date day in Malibu & Santa Monica, on quite possibly the most hectic and nerve racking week of his career. I saw it in Je'sus who SHINED bright and served us lavishly. I saw it in the athletes that competed that served as a literal physical reminder to me that "finishing the race" doesn't just happen on game day, and without the help, and cheers of countless individuals. And finally, I saw it in all the gorgeousness that is pacific coast. This song would not stop playing on my inner radio the entire week. Love surpassing knowledge, takes my breath away. What about you?
