Behind the many proud athletes competing at the Olympics in South Korea this week are even prouder parents. It must be thrilling to see your child representing your country and competing among the best in the world. Many parents have the opportunity to go and watch, but few have done what the parents of Swiss freestyle skier Mischa Gasser did.
Mischa’s parents, from Olten, decided to ride their bicycles to Pyeongchang. A few years ago, I would have been surprised to hear about this. However, having lived in Switzerland for a few years, I thought, ‘That sounds like something a Swiss person would try.”
It took one year, 17,000 kilometers and cycling through twenty countries. They have a lot of stories. It was hard and difficult. They spent many nights sleeping in a freezing tent. It was worth it all when they met their son in front the Olympic village last week. It’s hard to imagine the sense of accomplishment and joy they must have felt. Mischa’s father said it was his son’s dream to compete in the Olympics and he really wanted to be there to support him.
We underestimate the love of our heavenly Father. Good parents love their children and love to see their children do well. We get anxious wondering if God is unhappy with us and forget that he loves us deeply. He loves it when we accomplish dreams and desires. He’s cheering for us as we compete in the ordinary events of everyday life.
His journey to find us was much longer and more difficult than a mere 17,000-kilometer bicycle ride. We were created to have a deep and meaningful relationship with God. “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)
Your heavenly Father knows where you are and what you need. He takes joy in you and your growth in him. We can all rejoice today because we are his children and we have a Father who loves us.