The Mixed Zone and God

After competitions, most athletes walk thru what is known as the mixed zone.  Basically this is where all the reporters etc. line up to talk to those that did well, those that should have done well, or the hometown favorite.  I would definitely not say that I am a staple in the mixed zone, although one day I hope to be.  There aren't tons of microphones being thrown in my face or journalists yelling out my name trying to get my attention.  Most of the time I just scurry past without even glancing up.  I do like to eavesdrop though on other athletes getting interviewed.  I'm sure this is just the nosey part of my personality, but every once in a while it's interesting.  The most standard line you'll hear back there, especially from American athletes, starts off something like this: First I'd like to thank God...  Of course, I think this is a good thing.  I like God and I think he should be thanked first.  Granted, it does start to sound a little standard, in the same way that Oscar speeches do, but if you really believe that he gives you the talent, ability, and resources to accomplish things, it makes sense.  But what happens when you fall a little short of your goals?  Who does the athlete thank after a performance that was less than desirable?  I'd say that if you were thanking him for the right reasons when things turned out well, he still deserves the shout out when the outcome is less than we desire.

Sometimes I have to remind myself of that.  Like now.  Because I find myself never having a problem remembering to  thank the Big Man when things go well for me.  It's immediate, it's genuine, and it's from the heart.  But when things don't seem to go my way?  Well, let's just say that little talk I have afterwards sometimes doesn't possess the same enthusiasm it should.  I know that in my heart I believe that God is doing good all the time.  That is an important cornerstone in my faith.  Trusting in that and acknowledging it still takes effort though. But if the flip side to that is only being thankful for the huge successes, I'm basically telling God he flaked on me those other times.  And God is no flake.  He knows what he's doing and he has a plan and a purpose that I am supposed to trust in.  And while that plan is unfolding, I should be thankful for all the blessings I'm racking in along the way.  

If you weren't aware already, my performances in Europe this past week were quite the disappointment.  Nobody interviewed me afterwards or asked me what I was thinking, but because I have my own lovely little platform right here, I'd like to make sure I Thank God.  I competed in my first Diamond League meet and I bombed.  But hey, I was there!  There were lessons to be learned and opportunities to make the most of.  I know  this post is a little personal and a tad more revealing than I usually like to write, but I feel like it was necessary for me.  Because you better believe the next time I jump extraordinarily well and have a great performance, I'm going to be right back here giving thanks where it's due.(like...maybe tomorrow?!)  I don't want to be someone who only thinks good comes from things going my way.  It's easy to smile on the good days...I want to know and show that there is a reason to smile every day.