I enjoyed watching the Olympics in August, and like many other Canadians, I was disappointed with the numerous “almost a medal” finishes, until I observed the comraderie and good sportsmanship that existed among athletes. Not only that, but I was most definitely impressed with the positive responses I heard from many athletes as they were interviewed about their results. While some athletes surprised the field and the public at large with their successful finishes, other athletes who were heavily favoured failed to finish on the podium. Many of these were very gracious in their failure and in their praise of those who medaled.

These athletes helped me to put this celebration of athleticism into perspective, and to resist the temptation to criticize our Canadian athletes who failed to meet our expectations. They had worked as hard as the other athletes for many years leading up to this event. They all had a community of supporters at home cheering them on, and in the end, they ‘left it all on the field’ – they did their best – and were able to return home knowing this. They quickly acknowledged that they had been surpassed by equally-deserving athletes who had performed just a little better on that particular day.

There were also the athletes whose efforts and final results filled all Canadians with a deep pride. Simon Whitfield inspired many with his gutsy finish in the triathlon, after having dropped back in the field several times, and admitted afterwards that he had been unsure, during the race, that he had enough to medal. He dug deeper, however, and we all saw how he closed the gap in the last several hundred meters, chasing down the three front-runners, sprinting past them and finishing second only after the German competitor surged past him and finishing 5 seconds ahead, for the gold.

Regardless whether it was the athlete who failed to medal or the athlete who succeeded, both demonstrated to the world their strong character. These athletes have likely failed and succeeded many times prior to the Olympics, but they continued to pursue their goals, knowing that success or failure may lie ahead. Their character is constantly being molded, and as they continue, not only is their character becoming stronger; not only are they becoming better individuals; but each one is inspiring those around him or her to become the best they can, and in the process, they continue to make the world they live in and interact with, a better place.

Each one of us, regardless of our calling, is having our character shaped and molded through the tests we endure each day. How strong a character each one of us may develop will depend on the choices we make each day; on the extent to which we embrace adversity and persevere. Will we faint from the challenges, or will we embrace each challenge as an opportunity to strengthen our character and in so doing, not only change ourselves into better individuals, but also impact our world positively?

My hope and desire for each student this year is that he/she will, like Olympic athletes, embrace the challenges that come along, persevering in spite of adversity, and taking courage in the promise we have that when we seek to follow God’s leading, the adversity becomes much more bearable and our goals much more attainable. Let us appreciate and love others with a sincere love, putting their needs before those of ours’ and “cling to what is good”!