People all around the world are glued to their television sets or computers to watch the Olympics. There are thrilling moments, heart-wrenching moments, and yes, even disappointing moments.

The Opening Ceremony set a strong tone for me personally of what was to come as I have watched the events these past few days. I was deeply touched (Okay, fine – I cried!) when the generation to come symbolically thanked their coaches and trainers—the generation that is teaching them to better their best—and then had the unique privilege to light the cauldron(s). I have viewed the Olympics through a different set of eyes because of it.

Those who respect and learn from their predecessors seem to thrive. No, it is not a statement that can be made of all cases, so I want to make that clear right away. Let’s face it, some people thrive even when they are jerks! But for the most part, it can be said that success generally comes from listening to and learning from those who have walked the path before us. Here are a few examples I’ve observed, both negatively and positively, in some of our female athletes:

*Gabby Douglas: One of her first comments to an interviewer after her event was to share important lessons her coach taught her. These lessons included the reading of Scripture to ground her nerves and focus her thoughts. She clearly respects her coach’s wisdom and experience.

*Hope Solo: Her disrespect for those who have gone before her may have been driven more from a defensive spirit and even a desire to stand up for her teammates than from a lack of desire to show respect, but her motives were lost in her words. I know nothing about her other than that her athletic potential is great; but her words are more powerful than any save she could ever make at the goal.  While I want the team to win, I am no longer impressed by her personally.

*Missy Franklin: Missy has demonstrated great character and respect for her family, teachers, coaches, and predecessors. She has shown that listening and learning can go a long way toward achieving success.

Please note that I am merely listing my personal thoughts based on the actions I have observed. Each of these is at Olympics because she earned it. She also can earn admiration by her respect for others and by her reactions to the fame thrown at her in the days ahead.

So what does this have to do with me? I recently completed an amazing Bible Study by Priscilla Shirer titled, One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land. One of the important lessons I gleaned from reading through the transition from Moses’ leadership to Joshua’s leadership was Joshua’s great respect and desire to learn from Moses. Several times Joshua tells the leaders he is training to do what Moses taught them. He did not focus on the fact that Moses was not there when they entered the Promised Land, but that Moses was a man of God and should therefore be followed. Joshua knew that learning from Moses was a gift from God and that it was prudent for becoming a better leader himself.

Sometimes the best thing to do is be quiet and listen to those who can teach us by the wisdom they have gained from their experiences of doing it wrong and of doing it right! Listen and learn!

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Thank you for taking time to read today’s post!