Pressing on towards the prize!Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 I am looking forward to watching the Olympics as they kick off this weekend! Athletes from around the world will descend on Paris, France pressing on toward the goal of giving their best in each of their events. Every time they come around, I find myself drawn to and amazed by the incredible feats of athletic ability and sportsmanship. I also appreciate the "human interest stories" where we see and hear about the dedication required to compete at this level. Often, these segments give us a glimpse of how an athlete practices and obstacles they have had to overcome. We find out who they lean on for support and who their role models have been. I often wonder what my "human interest story" would look like if someone came to interview me about my discipleship...how I "practice" my faith. What practice routines have I followed? Who have been my role models? Where have I pushed myself to the next level? What goals have I set out to achieve? How have I pressed on towards the prize? What about you? How do you practice your faith? What does your practice routine look like? Who are your role models? How are you pressing on towards the prize: “the upward call of God’s in Christ Jesus?” Blessings,
Matthew+ O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p.230) | 
