麻豆约拍

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with the Revd Carolyn Skinner, sports chaplain

After a sporting drought last year, sports fans are in their element this year as we proceed from one event to another. Currently all eyes are on Tokyo for the Olympic Games, even if this has to be viewed through a TV screen due to a ban on spectators in light of the pandemic. I have been privileged to serve as a chaplain at several major Games including the Olympics and Paralympics. Serving at London 2012 has to be one of the highlights of my life.

But it鈥檚 not just elite athletes who need this provision of care. Which of us doesn鈥檛 need a safe space to go to when life gets tough? As we come through the last year and a half this is more important than ever. It reminds me to be thankful for the people in my life who love me unconditionally, whose words can be few, as their presence is enough. And it prompts me to consider how I can be that safe space for others, not just in my chaplaincy role, but simply as we go through life to pause to give the gift of time and the ministry of presence.

I am reminded of the words in Romans which say 鈥淩ejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.鈥�

Father God, thank you for the tender way you care for us, that there is no limit to the time you have for us, and that you are our eternal safe space and refuge. Help us to demonstrate these values to those around us, that we may be used by you to offer time and presence to those in need.

Amen