I can't let this Olympic season end without cheering for our favorite Olympian! Ryder, John and I (sorry Cole, maybe next Olympics!) sit on the couch each night and watch Olympians excel in their sport. We are amazed at the incredible skills God has given so may people around the world and love that the Olympics provide a stage for them in which we can all cheer them on in their gift ts!
We are incredibly biased, however, when it comes to our favorite of these talented stars! Each night, Ryder asks, "Where's Uncle Bryan?" Each night up 'till now, we've said, "He's there but we can't see him yet! He's getting ready to run, and jump and throw soon!" You see Bryan Clay is a decathlete on team USA...he won the silver medal in Athens and he is in the middle of competing in Beijing right now! He's in the lead currently and it's been said that someone else will have to work pretty hard to take the Gold out of his grasp!
More importantly to us, Bryan and his wife Sarah and kids Jacob and Kate are our friends. We grew to know and love this dear family as we went to church together and did life together for the past few years in California before we left. Jacob was one of Ryder's closest friends. We love them!
It is so comforting and fulfilling to know that the Lord has given Bryan the gifts he has to glorify him on such a public stage. In the midst of all of the glory is an incredibly humble man, loving husband and involved father to his kids. He is a gift to the American Olympic team, his family and friends...and if the Lord allows him more influence, possibly the world through his accomplishments in Beijing.
I spoke in my last entry about being a supportive wife. I cannot end this one without mentioning one of the most supportive wives I know next to my mother and that is my friend Sarah, Bryan's wife. Sarah loves her children immensely but it is evident in the way she honors her first committment well that she is first a champion of her husband, Bryan. So I say, "Go Bryan! We're so proud of you!" But just as I know he would, I must also says, "Way to support Sarah...you are an incredible example of a "champion!"
Thanks! But I would have to say "ditto" about you!