Marraige Olympics

The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games are set for opening ceremonies tonight. Much of the world will be watching over the next ten days as primo athletes from all over the world compete against each other, vying for the ultra-coveted gold, silver, and bronze medals. Countries, both large and small, send delegations of Olympic challengers in sport categories too numerous to mention in this blog. Suffice it to say, with the exception of some ice skating-type competitions that require grace, elegance, endurance.......not to mention high skill levels, the major requirement, to reign supreme, is 'the need for speed'. Olympic athletes must possess the need for speed and the desire to 'press the envelope' of performance in order to even qualify to represent their countries in their respective sport venues.

I'd like to point out another institution that ranks right up there with the International Olympic Organization and that is the institution of marriage. Valentine's Day is just two days away and I think it is time to recognize marriage as a the great sport that it is. I'm hoping that God appreciates my analogy of marriage to an Olympic sport, because I do see parallels.

With the exception of bands, orchestras and choirs, marriage is the last great team sport. Just because marriage is between only two people does not diminish the importance of its team nature. Think of the analogies that can be drawn:

• Skating on thin ice
• Uplifting your partner
• Skiing on slippery slopes
• Carrying the 'torch' for your partner
• Bestowing that camera-winning smile on your partner
• Picking up the slack when your partner drops the baton
• Skating faster when your teammate cannot
• Navigating the twists and turns of Alpine skiing
• Celebrating life's little victories
• Sharing the frustrations and sorrows that life throws at us
• Rejoicing when a team member wins a 'medal'

Here's to marriage. With all of its warts, detractors, and societal brickbats that are thrown its way, marriage remains a strong and viable institution, capable of winning centuries more of races, relays, and competitions.
Not all marriages will be gold medal winners, but winners, none-the-less.

There is no letter I in the word team.

Ancora imparo