Setting The Standard

I love this time of year as our family conversations turn toward France as we read daily the latest updates about Lance Armstrong as he is racing with his teammates in the Tour de France.  I have my children’s undivided attention because I am talking about a sport they like. I like this sport too, but for a different reason.  It gives me an opportunity to take a topic they are interested in and teach them gospel principles.  The Tour de France is perfect for this.  I’ve learned through the years that one should never miss an opportunity to take life and apply the gospel to it.   When this is accomplished those moments of teaching and learning become your child’s value system.

I am no expert on the rules and strategy of bike racing but I do know and understand the basics or the “female version”.  The race is done in several stages with an allotted amount of miles in each stage. The teams race across all kinds of terrain, in all kinds weather and as they do this, they encourage each other to keep going and to do their best. There is a winner for each individual stage but the overall winner has the best time of all stages of the race.  They have rest days and in some places they have transfers where they are taken by vehicle to the next starting point.  Finally the overall leader is given a yellow jersey to wear.  It sets him apart to show everyone who is in the lead and who they need to strive to match.

So, what does this have to do with gospel principles? 

We have had discussions on the different stages of our own lives.  In some stages we do better in than other stages, while some are smooth others are more difficult, but it is the overall race that really counts and how we are judged.  We can always do better the next stage by overcoming our weaknesses and setting goals that will improve our position in the next stage. (Set goals and make repentance a part of living. It is the striving that is your best ally).

Working together as a team and not being in this life for yourself just makes the race more fun and it is always easier when you surround yourself with teammates who have the same finish line to work toward.  You really do help each other win the race you are in.  (Choose your friends wisely.)

There are days that you need to rest.  Choose activities that rejuvenate you mentally, and spiritually.  This rest is really a step forward. It prepares you for the next stage of the race. (The Sabbath day is needed.)

Transfer days are going to happen and sometimes you need to rely on others to help you get to where you need to be.  (The best gift we can give is to serve others and to let others serve you when you are in need.)

The most important lesson, in my opinion, about this sport is the yellow jersey that the leader wears.  It sets him apart from everyone else.  He sets the standard of excellence.  He is the one that everyone looks for and watches. He is where everyone is striving to be. He is the example.  (Be the leader.  Someone needs to set the standard.  Sometimes it is lonely in the front but the scenery is always better.)

Ask your children as they walk out the door for their day in the world… Is your yellow jersey on?  They will know exactly what you mean and what is expected of them.