Feb. 15, 2010
 
DEVOTION: United
 
By Beth Bondurant
 
Not a sound could be heard as 82 countries of the world stood in silence to remember Nodar Kumaritashvili, the Georgian athlete who died in his training run on the luge track just hours before the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Games.
 
People all over the world united as they watched via modern technology the Olympic torch being ignited both inside and out in Vancouver, British Columbia.
 
United in purpose... in competition... in practice... in hope... in honor... in celebration and in grief.
 
Language... culture... tradition... history... economy... burst forth in splendid diversity reminding us that each individual is unique and exceptional... yet we are all united in God gifted human originality.
 
No person... no nation... no country is an exact replica of another... yet we live united on earth... in our own little corner of the world... surrounded by God's grace and encompassed by God's unconditional compassion.
 
We are incredibly united.
 
Just as each of the 82 countries dressed in some way to be recognized particularly... the Master Designer chooses us... defines us... unites us in colorful living love.
 
"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all purpose garment. Never be without it."
 
We may be different in likeness... language... landscape... laws... learning... liturgy... loyalty... location... liability... literature... labor... leadership... and longing.
 
We are united by God... in love.