The second half of winter is nearly always a test of patience; as the longer days of late winter tease that warmer weather is just ahead, the days of February refuse to yield the biting cold of winter. On this twenty second day of February I watched the morning weather report, predicting more accumulating snow with some sleet and ice thrown in for good measure. No worries, our church calendar gives us a gift this morning – the remembrance of Olympic athlete and missionary Eric Liddell. Few of God’s children can boast of having quicker feet, greater patience or the capacity to surrender personal comfort and safety for the good of others like Liddell. His accomplishments on the athletic field and in the missionary field are impressive, and his devotion to his family and those he served throughout his life are quite impressive as well (more information – Eric Liddell Centre). But as I walk my Lenten journey through these cold winter days, I am strengthened by Liddell’s example of strength and perseverance. As we remember him today we pray from the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) Isaiah’s words are beautiful and inspiring, but the paradox of the words should not be lost: in waiting there is strength, and as we wait we will be able to fly, to run and to walk without losing the strength the LORD has given. It seems to me that these words of paradox describe Eric Liddell and exemplify his steadfast faith in God – he was one of the fastest men of his time, yet he showed great patience as he served God through his missionary work. I pray that we all may patiently wait for the LORD and then serve without hesitation when called…no matter the weather!

“God whose strength bears us up as on mighty wings: We rejoice in remembering your athlete and missionary, Eric Liddell, to whom you gave courage and resolution in contest and in captivity; and we pray that we also may run with endurance the race set before us and persevere in patient witness, until we wear that crown of victory won for us by Jesus our Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” Collect for the remembrance of Eric Liddell, February 22nd