After All's Said and Done, Still Standing
Well, judging by the lack of response to my last blog, I'm wondering what caused the mass exodus:
- Not of interest to me. The Olympics, that is.
- Nothing warranted a response.
- On vacation
- I spoke my piece in response to your last blog
- None of the above
- All of the above and then some.
So, while I readied myself to move on to something less controversial, like religion and politics, I got this email. It came from Ancestry, the site that tells you things you may not wish to know. A couple of years ago, Chad and Kristina gave me the gift of "discovery." So I swabbed my mouth and tucked the DNA into a little tube and sent it off. Turns out I'm even more Norwegian than I thought. 70% And I'm also 25% Swedish and 5 % Irish, much to the chagrin of my Danish ancestors. But Heather said, "Who really knows with the Vikings. They got around."
But this invitation went too far. Ancestry.com invited me to send off a sample so they could solve a puzzle that I never considered piecing together. They asked if I wanted to, "Compare my traits to famous athletes. See how my DNA performance traits compare." Are you kidding me?! Talk about a way to discourage a person when they're on the last laps of life. Like me.
And even if I sent it off, found out there's some loose connection (loose being the operative word), I wouldn't know what to do with the information. Surely, I wouldn't use it in a Christmas letter. And even if I found that a genetic trait linked me to a gymnast, like Simone Biles, why would I want to enter a competition where you get points taken off for not "sticking a landing." One wobble and I'd be out of contention. Or worse. And then, there's those outfits. I don't look good in sequins.
Well, obviously I didn't sign-up. That has to be one of the least important questions you could ask me. "Do you want to compare your traits to famous athletes?" That ranks close to, "Do you want salad or french fries with your burger? Or "should I bring the dessert menu?"
Whoops, now you know why I didn't want to send off my DNA for comparison with the world's fittest.
But, in case you want something deeper to "tink" about. Try pondering this quote by G.K. Chesterton, in Philip Yancey's Grace Notes: "It is always simple to fall: there are an infinity of angles at which one falls, only one at which one stands." And as for the title, and theme, it's from Ephesians 6:13.This is how it reads in The Message translation: "Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet."
Well, I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure that sticking together ups the odds for "sticking the landing."
For sure, I need all the help I can get, with or without a DNA link to Simone.
34 Comments
You really should have checked on the 5 free traits you share with the athletes—it’s encouraging to see they have wobbly spots, too— and who shares yours. Just like the saints, they are human who have lots of falls and more perseverance!
Good advice, dear Becky. Maybe I'll reconsider. For sure, the more I know the stories behind these Olympians, the m and others ore I admire their perseverance, discipline, resilience and commitment with or without medals. But then I feel that way about some missionaries, doctors, nurses, teachers, journalists, military men and women and others who serve in challenging places around the world.
DeR JAN
I'm not surprised that there was no response. Living in a retirement community - Elim Park - At times I have ventured a political comment and have been summarily told off or to have the person walk away without a wird,
I love the honesty and integrity of your blogs and look forward to each one. They are a breath of fresh air to the aging person.
Wow! Great to hear from you. You're an answer to my prayer to hear from someone new or one I haven't heard from in a long time. I'm sorry to read, but not surprised, at the response of some when you venture a comment on the political scene in our country. But you have wit and wisdom on your side. And I'm hopeful and prayerful that JOY and LOVE will overcome HATE and DESPAIR , And HOPE will nudge out FEAR. Well, I'm relieved to read you think I'm "a breath of fresh air", instead of an old wind bag. Keep standing. and singing, dear Ray. Both matter, as do you..
Jan, I’d say you stuck the landing just right on this post. No points deducted as far as I’m concerned. Other than the fact that you are part Swedish. Now that has me deeply concerned. Can we still be friends? You know the joke they tell in Norway – “what does Sweden have that Norway does not? Nice neighbors.”
Ya, ve can still be friends, Maggie. I married a Swede, so my family already had to make adjustments. The jokes are still fun between these two countries. And both are good neighbors. Tusen Takk. I'm sticking with you.
You are still a strong athlete at a good sense of humor, especially needed at our age! This is a solid landing in that respect. Loved it!
Well, I had no idea I would chalk up so many points on this post. I'm starting to feel like I could make it to the medal round. Thanks, dear Radina. You've made me feel like a winner for a long time.
I love you Jan Carlberg and your humor and your point of view! As one who is also either on or approaching the last lap, I yearn to hear ‘well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter in!
Hearing about the training regimens of the athletes reminds me of the apostle Paul’s metaphor for the life in Christ. We are in training and running a race.
Amen, dear Darlia. It's been my hope that I could get fit by the company I keep. You know, by the process of osmosis. And it's part of why I hang with runners like you and Paul. So stick with me.
“I was on vacation”!!! but now am curious and going to check out your last post. Jan we all love your brilliant words, opinions and encouragement. Most of all your love for Jesus! Never stop writing!!! Xo
Well, dear Laura, I'm not planning to stop writing. It does me good to vent, "tink", reconsider, laugh at myself and look for ways to encourage others to follow Jesus or take a second look,if they wrote God and the Church off long ago. It wasn't my intent to bait readers to respond, but to find another vehicle for talking about the Olympics, after I received that ad from Ancestry.com. But hey, I'm loving this!! Hope your Margot is having a great time in her role in Paris. What stories she'll have to tell.
Jan- I love reading EVERY email you post! Don’t stop. Thanks. Love, Carolyn
Great to hear from you, dear Carolyn. I love connecting this way with others. It helps me so much to write, as well. Thanks for your encouragement. I'm not planning on stopping any time soon, with or without responses. Just felt fun to poke the bear as a way to take a second swat at talking about the Olympics and poke fun at myself. Happy Summering!
I would echo many of the sentiments already expressed. I too love your wise words mixed with a dash of humor . And I second the motion about you being a “breath of fresh air” . Keep them coming. We all are looking forward to more
gems from Jan!
Well, whenever I feel down in the dumps, I'll need to refer back to this boatload of encouragement. That's my job/calling! Not to be down in the dumps but to encourage others. Gotta say, it sure feels good when it returns a thousand fold. Thanks for your part, dear Myrna.
I don't know jim, you might look good in a Bedazzled jacket..orr maybe, shoes?
And the way those Vikings got around, perhaps you and Simone...?!
Anyhow, Elizabeth and I have been enjoying the olympics. In fact, we bought our first television so we could watch the Olympics. (Used. B&W. Small. Knobs and rabbit ears. Hah, and that was 1980.)
I'm about to back to politics for a minute: God is teaching me more about praying asking the Lord to bring both me and powerful people around the globe to our knees and humility, confessing our sins, and tumblring ourselves before the Lord, repenting and rejoicing and divine forgiveness. And of course, asking forgiveness for my anger and pessimism.
Always good to hear from my Gordon friends/colleagues/"kids", like you, Smitti and Elizabeth. However, as much as I appreciate your comments, I'll still leave the sequins to others. But when it comes to politics, you are so right. PRAY. HUMBLE ourselves. And TRUST God , while choosing HOPE and JOY over fear and despair. Knowing you and Elizabeth, you"brighten the corner where you are."
Dear Jan, I read and keep every one of your blogs so let me know if your godly wisdom of years past needs a fresh look. You speak from a heart committed to our Lord so never apologize. I read and ponder and while I also wonder I never doubt your commitment to our Lord. Love, Dale
Well, dear Dale, you've known me for decades so your words stick when they land here, in person or in our annual birthday cards swapped on our twin birthday. You and Marty encouraged me long before this blog was even an idea or a word, for that matter. Hope you and Marty are having a great time at Burt Lake. When I hadn't heard from you, I figured you were fishing in the boonies and had no internet access. Good for you! Catch anything?
Dear Jan,
I started a comment on your last post, I was interrupted and never finished and sent. I have a friend who always watches all of the Olympics. This year I watched a bit of the opening ceremony and then got into the swimming and gymnastics! I called my friend and said "Okay I'm hooked." She said it makes her feel better about the world situation and I agree. It gives us hope for the human race to watch not only the competition but the cooperation and care for those from other countries! We read and often agree just don't always reply. Keep up your wonderful posts.
Blessings, Jill
Wow! Thanks , dear Jill. I had no idea so many would risk writing a response to encourage me. I'm grateful for all readers, whether you respond or not. But it's been fun to hear from new and old friends reacting to the opening of this blog post, which looked quite pathetic and more hopeless than I felt, for sure. Love abounds! Thanks for admitting we don't always agree. That's OK, too. I feel like this is a place where we shouldn't have to agree to stay connected or be friends. But I do want it to be a place for civility to shine. And it does.
Norwegian AND Swedish?!?! The best of both worlds, I think. Speaking of “best”— that’s you. I love your blogs that always challenge me while making me smile. I’ll never forget our times of ministry together. Foundational experiences for me! Thank you. So grateful for you, my sis.
Love always, Evie♥️
And I love remembering ministering together with you and Bonnie in Colorado. Are you still 4' 11"? I know, by faith, you're going to heaven!! I'm shrinking! Well, keep singing, dear Evie, in Norwegian, English, Swedish or whatever tongue God blesses you with, dear Norwegian sister. We each married Swedes to round us off! UFda!!
Jan,
In today's world there are many slippery slopes and we may all find it easier to fall than stick the landing. The older I get the more I hear about the hazards of falling and the need to do balance exercises. (Thankfully not on a balance beam!)
Many things in the news today sadden me. How abortion has become focused on women's rights and not the unborn child is just one example of how far the moral compass of this country has fallen.
There are no surprises to God and I know he holds each of us and those unborn babies in his arms.
May you continue to put pen to paper and share with us. I still hope your blogs are put into a book someday!
Blessings,
Toni
Thanks, dear Toni, for your encouragement. You are right, there are many issues in our world and concerns. Abortion is one. But it's probably the one that more Christians grab hold of to protect. I happen to believe the government needs to focus on ALL rights. And the older I get, the more I see that Jesus calls us to care about ALL of life. That means before and after babies are born, as well as to care for the planet i and communities into which we welcome them. It helps me to remember that no political party is God's pet donkey or elephant. But we must each look at the overall picture of who we are placing our trust in and why. And above all to love each other, including those we disagree with, or ones who chose to have an abortion. And having become acquainted with you, dear Tori, through this blog, I am grateful for your loving and caring heart for others. Even for those with whom you may disagree sometimes, like me, sometimes.
❤️❤️❤️
We love them dearly and comfort them in later years when they regret their decision. ❤️❤️❤️Drugs are so available and easy to get and then the addict and the family members suffer. Same with alcoholism, etc. I just think when we were growing up we could find trouble if we looked for it, and now it seeks out our youth and devours them if they aren’t rooted in love.
I am just praying for future generations to have the joy and happiness we have experienced.
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, dear Toni,, for your love and care for those who suffer. Temptation is not new, all we have to do is go back to Genesis. But there are new ways to make the temptattion look less evil and consequential. But love is not new, either, and seems to be God's favorite four letter word. So keep LOVING and doing GOOD, Toni LOVINGGOOD. You are well named.
So wonderful to read all of the above - such fabulous confirmation of how well you are loved dear Jan!!! <3
Well, dear Wendy, it's been kinda overwhelming in a wonderful way. I thought I'd just give readers a laugh at my encounter or lack thereof with ancestry.com and their offer,. But I also wanted to add something to "tink" about....our need for each other and God to stand when the rest of the world wobbles. And when I or we feel wobbly on the inside. Thanks always for years of encouragement from you and Steve.
We love how you give us so many good things to “tink” about!
Well, "tanks" for "tinking" with me.
oops my laughing emoji didn't post :)