The 2012 Summer Olympics open today in London (actually, the football–soccer–competition began two days ago). For two and half weeks, thousands of athletes from around the world face off in 36 different areas of sport.

I’ve never been to an Olympics–and I’ve never been an athlete–but I love watching many of the televised events and learning about the athletes and their stories. And besides keeping me on the edge of my seat sometimes, Olympics competition also offers oodles of opportunities to talk with children about God.

I confess … I don’t remember doing this with my children. BUT I can encourage you to learn from my mistakes. So here’s one: use the news. And the Olympics will definitely be in the news the next few weeks.

Point out to younger children how events of these Olympics illustrate Bible teachings. Ask older children their opinions, and listen to what they say. Sometimes, open up the Bible and search for the answers together.

Here’s a short, top-of-my-head list of sports-related topics that can be metaphors for what the Bible teaches about life:

• teamwork
• perseverance
• focus
• practice
• success
• commitment
• rules
• consequences
• the human body
• the human family
• inspiration
• encouragement
• grace

The official website of the London Olympics and Paralympics and the official Olympic Movement website have lots of information to explore.

photo courtesy London 2012

DIANE