Quote

"Value the people who value you."

Bill Withers

Real Life

At fourteen, Juliet Thompson sat at home with her family watching the 1984 Olympic Women’s Eight rowing event.

She was a young American rower who desperately wanted to represent her country in the sport she loved. She remembers that as the race finished, her father turned to her and said “that’s going to be you in four years”. Her father understood her passion and commitment, and he believed in her.

Four years later, Hochman made it into the USA rowing women’s eight team and got to walk into the 1988 Olympic opening ceremony. As she walked around the track with team USA, she came to the American supporters and saw her parents “as if they were the only people in the stadium”. Hochman says that as she saw her Dad take her Mum’s hand and raise it above their heads in celebration, she felt their love, support and belief. In that moment she realised that the biggest reward of all in sport, is not the podiums or medals, it is “understanding, appreciating and recognising those people who support you unconditionally in achieving your dreams”.

Sport can be full of rewards. There can be travel, money, popularity and even fame. But Hochman says that nothing compares to being in a moment of victory and celebration, knowing who supported you to get there. When she tells the story of that moment at the opening ceremony, it is obvious how deep her joy was at seeing her parents celebrating her achievement.

The bible speaks often of being thankful and remembering the ways we have been blessed (1 Samuel 12:24, Colossians. 3:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Ephesians 5:20). It is good for our soul to recognise the worth of those who love and support us, and value the blessing of having them in our lives. When we value those who supported us to get where we wanted to be, it makes our celebration so much deeper and more meaningful. While we can enjoy the trappings of success, let’s not forget what is really valuable in this life.

Bible Verse

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers

1 Thessalonians 1:2

Prayer

Thank You Lord for all those who have supported and encouraged me. Help me to value those people and be thankful for all the ways they have blessed my life.

Author: Sarah Auld   |   Content Editor: Phil Pawley