Rasmussen Reporter

WATER AT <0°C

The recently completed Winter Olympics were a celebration of frozen water. Some might claim the Games honor athletic prowess, and the global unity of 92 nations. Others would state the Games have de-evolved to out of control nationalistic and individual egos manipulated for pride and profit. One may marvel at the abilities of Olympic champions, but how one competes, wins or loses, is insightful.

Klæbo and Poulin were two participants worthy of attention in the most recent Winter Water Games. Maybe these competitors are nefarious self-centered individuals. We really don't know them. However, based on the brief coverage of NBC in the United States, Klæbo and Poulin embody much of the best of the Olympics, which is "The Love of Sport/Excellence", and "Selfless Leadership".

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo [The Love of Sport]

Nordic Skiing is Johannes Klæbo's commitment to excellence and love. While one may wonder what the future will hold for this 29 year old Norwegian, for now he dominates his sport and his sport dominates him. Though known as a sprinter (>11 mph on snow), Klæbo won gold in all six events that he participated in during the Milan-Cortina Games.

Nordic Skiing is not a sport of money. Outside of Norway it may not be a sport of fame or accolade. For Klæbo to excel he must assuredly love the sport for the sport.

(Click or tap on the photos of Johannes (or Marie) for videos)

Marie-Philip Poulin [Selfless Leadership]

The Canadian Women's hockey team competed with a love for the sport, excellence, and dedication to the team and their country. The gold medal could have been won by the Canadian women. It wasn't. A loss after such heroic efforts, often results in feelings of regret and bitterness. Such bitterness was prevalent at the conclusion of many Olympic competitions.

What is recalled at the conclusion of the gold medal hockey game wasn't bitterness, but sadness. This was powerfully reflected by the Canadian team captain, Marie-Philip Poulin. While the sadness was palpable, so was the consolation offered by Poulin to her teammates. She had played this game physically hurt, yet every time she touched the puck there was big play potential. The potential was greatest in a pass, or in making a teammate look good in what may be Poulin's last Olympics.

Many use the Olympic stage as a venue for hyper political or social (like same sex marriage) advocacy. This adulterates the games. Based on what was witnessed, Poulin was more interested in purely modeling athletic excellence and selfless leadership. In this world such excellence and especially such leadership are rare.

Adulterated Aqua

Potomac Pooh

Nothing is more condemning of man's disregard for creation than our waste and pollution of water. Perhaps it is not surprising then that one of the latest examples of water pollution and adulteration occurred near Washington DC. The figurative political 'swamp' became a literal foul smelling sewage swamp following a line break near the Potomac River. Local, state and federal authorities were inept at either preventing or quickly fixing the problem. They excelled only at testing for E. coli contamination. The absence of excellence in government managed or overseen responsibilities is not surprising. The only surprise may be who or what organization(s) benefited from poor, possibly corrupt management and oversight of water purity.

WATER AND SPIRIT

Children of God

The rejuvenated Rasmussen Reporter was published starting in June 2023. The first headline column celebrated Water and Spirit in Kinley's May 21st baptism. Almost 33 months ago this sacrament affirmed Kinley as a Child of God. With Water and Spirit Kinley was baptized into the death of Christ. Concurrently she was baptized into the resurrection and life of Christ.

Weldon Robert, child of God, was born and baptized with water and spirit in 1937. The September 2023 edition of this Reporter reflected on how much things had changed, and not changed, in Weldon's octogenarian life span. Weldon died on February 3rd. Though his death engenders much sadness there is abiding faith in the baptismal promise to both die and live again.

Weldon and Kinley are pictured here in December 2023. Kinley wasn't sure what to think of her great grandfather. Her expression sums up the fact that one might not know what to think about water and spirit acting so powerfully in our lives. Fortunately understanding is not a sacramental prerequisite. Maybe it is simply a selfless, miraculous gift.