Let us finish together
“Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others” (NLT) 1 Corinthians 10:24
The Rio 2016 Olympics is effectively over as the baton has been passed on to Tokyo to host the 2020 edition. For those of us who followed the highlights, we have our repertoire of fond memories of the event.
One fond memory of the event that will forever be etched in my mind is the unusual selflessness exhibited by Abbey D’Agostino, an American runner. In a gruelling 5000 metres dash, Nikki Hamblin came tumbling down to the track when it was still left with 2000 metres to the finish line when Abbey unintentionally clipped her from behind. Whilst she was wallowing in hopelessness on the track, from nowhere there was a gentle hand on her shoulder and a soothing voice of Abey’s that says: “Get up. We have to finish this.”
There is probably nothing cutthroat competitive like an Olympic game. However, Abbey understood that there is something more important than winning. For her showing kindness to the downtrodden and finishing together is what matters most. You see, Abbey D’Agostino could have minded her own business and hobble to the finish line. After all, it’s a competition and everybody on the track is her opponent, including Nikki. No, Abbey decided to take the unusual path to the finish line. Interestingly, Abbey needed help to finish herself, and Nikki was there for her.
Beloved, there is nothing fulfilling in life than helping one another to finish. Self-centeredness, egocentrism, et cetera are not consistent with Christian values. Some of us find it difficult to do good because we are always obsessed with our own troubles. My elders have a saying that “If don’t help someone to cross over, you will not cross the finish line." Invest a seed of kindness in someone’s life today and one day you will harvest the fruit of fulfilment.