On my personal Instagram I posted a picture from Beijing when I was the Chief Press Officer there at the 2008 Summer Olympics. I was reflecting on the Games because they would've taken place in August in Japan if it weren't for the pandemic. You might've forgotten about that postponement.
In fact, although they continue their training, a lot of the athletes probably feel forgotten since the 2020 Olympics didn't happen and everyone - at least in the U.S. - got immersed in baseball, basketball, and hockey all restarting their seasons.
However, do not despair in thinking that you have been forgotten.
In the book of Exodus, chapter 15, Moses leads Israel forward from the Red Sea. We read in verses 22-27 that after traveling for three days through the wilderness without finding water, they arrived at Marah, where they could not drink its water, because it was too bitter... and the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?" Moses cried out to the Lord, who pointed out to him a piece of wood. When he threw it into the water, the water became fresh. He said: If you listen closely to the voice of the Lord, your God, and do what is right in His eyes: if you heed his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will not afflict you with any of the diseases with which I afflicted the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your healer.
So friends, whether you're the Olympic athlete who thinks no one is paying attention now that August has come and gone, or maybe you're the injured athlete who feels forgotten about because you're not currently able to compete, heed these words from the Bible and know that you will never be forgotten by our Father in heaven.
Bruce Wawrzyniak is the host and creator of "Catholic Sports Radio," a weekly podcast that helps listeners find the right balance and priority when it comes to their faith life versus their sports life. Interviews are done with guests who are Catholics in sports -- current or former athletes, coaches, referees/umpires, clergy, administrators, and more from the pro, amateur, and scholastic ranks. The show can be heard at www.CatholicSportsRadio.net or via links there for most podcast apps/platforms.