It’s been an eventful week, but not in the studio. There is not much to report from there. We donated some art to the Governor’s Conference on Tourism for their scholarship fund; also to the Clear Spring School fundraiser. It seems like every time I donate a painting, within the next day or two, someone will contact me about buying that very same painting. It’s uncanny. The painting pictured here, entitled “Best Friends,” will be available at the Clear Spring School Auction coming up soon.  

          This painting is called “Glad Tidings!” Everyone needs a steady intake of good news but we don’t get enough of a balanced diet to adequately nourish our souls. Imagine if the media gave equal time to the good things that people are doing in spite of tragedies, wars, disasters, and disease.  I know there is plenty of good going on in the world. Even in our little town of Eureka Springs, people are helping each other everyday. There are many unrecognized charitable organizations and outstanding citizens working hard to enhance our quality of life. There are free clothing and food banks, a free medical clinic (ECHO), mentoring programs in the schools; church youth groups, benefit auctions to help folks with medical expenses, the humane society who strives to improve the life of our animals, and local organic gardeners trying to improve availability of fresh healthy food.

            We all need to be inspired and encouraged, and that starts with the quality of our thoughts. We need to fill our minds with things that uplift and empower us. Even though there will always be bad news somewhere, we must not let it dominate our thoughts. That can lead to despair and inactivity.  If it is within our power to do something about the suffering of the world, by all means, we should do what we can. The greatest good we can do is usually right in our own little sphere of influence. There are ample opportunities any day of the week to help our neighbors and friends. If everyone does a little, it will add up to a lot.

            Finally, the Olympics are over. What a relief! I can put to rest all my unresolved success issues for another two years--at least until the summer games in 2012. Or perhaps the Mayans are right, and there will be no more Olympics or anything else by then.   Having watched them all my life it has now become a sacred obligation.  I have aged right alongside of Dick Button.  I can hardly believe that is his face on the TV anymore than the one that looks at me in the mirror everyday.

            I have learned much from the Olympics--more than the contained wisdom of a thousand sermons, lectures and books. During the many twists and turns of the Olympic drama I have observed how the athletes reacted as they won and lost, as they suffered injuries and disappointments, as they rejoiced, and as they cried. I was right there with them all the way.  The old cliché is really true: It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.  When, oh when, will it ever sink in?

            As I got on the treadmill today, I tried to face the real truth, not the NBC sports version of what I’m supposed to be. I tried to tell myself that it’s a triumph just to make it to the gym, and that it’s a major achievement to have been pretty faithful at it for 6 months now. I tried to tell myself that I’m a middle-aged woman now and that I should adjust my expectations. I tried to look at the bright side, and not think of how far short I have fallen of all that I wished I was.

            Did I learn nothing from watching athletes behaving badly? From those spoiled embittered losers who couldn’t accept second or third place with grace and dignity? Wasn’t I consistently more impressed with those athletes who were winners in the game of life, even if they didn’t win an Olympic medal?

            Or will I let this treadmill become the metaphor of my life? Will I continue to show up day after day, clock in my time, and get nowhere?  Why such disappointment?  What is there to prove? And to whom? When is it all right to just be me? When will I accept the love of God as the final victory of my life?

             In God’s eyes, I am already a winner. At any point, I can accept that medal.