^‘For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.’ 2 Corinthians 8:12

Greg Rutherford, the reigning Olympic, Commonwealth and European long jump champion, has now added the world championships title to his haul to become only the fifth British athlete to do so. You would think he would be happy, I certainly would. Instead this is what he had to say,

“…I’m the Olympic, world, Commonwealth and European champion. I’m hoping that’s enough for people to accept I am a half-decent British athlete now.”

After his triumph on ‘Super Saturday’ of the London 2012 Olympics, he was called a fluke. Before the commonwealth championships at Hampden Park two years later he had been labelled a ‘one hit wonder’. His doubters claimed his European championships gold medal was his ‘third fluky title in three years’. So the pressure was on at this year’s world championships especially after Jessica Ennis-Hill and Mo Farah the other two athletes from ‘Super Saturday’ has secured gold. Like a true champion that he is Greg rose to the challenge and delivered a second round jump of 8.29m to take a lead which would not be bettered. His fourth round jump of 8.41m was the second longest of his life and ensured that he finished the competition with the two longest jumps as his closest rivals choked under his dominant pressure.

Despite all of his success all he wanted to be was be accepted. In spite of all our faults, mistakes, triumphs, successes, regrets and broken promises, I suppose it’s something that we all long for. 

The good news for Greg, and us, is that there is someone who accepts us regardless of our achievements or lack of success. Paul says,

^‘For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.’

We will never be content if we are looking to the world for appreciation or acknowledgement. But with God as our chief supporter we know that our minds can be at rest IF we rest in Him.

The music today Bryn rediscovered for me. It is originally sung by 'The Imperials' but this time given the Gaither treatment - 'Forgiven'. Click on the picture to listen.