Olympic lessons: Hidilyn-and-seek
has ordained us.
It would not be an ambitious endeavor to wish for more Filipinos to “seek-and-find” others to bring some joy and good news, similar to how Hidilyn has done it. By winning gold, Hidilyn might have acquired fame and fortune in the process, but, judging from her interviews, her accomplishment transcends this tangible victory. First, she has shown that nothing is impossible with God. Second, she repeatedly gave credit to the grace of our Almighty Father. Finally, she personified stability under pressure, referring to one of my favorite verses in the Bible, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Bashed, red-tagged, and ridiculed, Hidilyn believed and embraced these trials as part of God’s grand plan for her.
Taking Hidilyn’s example to the level of our relationship with God, we can learn to seek and find others by first knowing we are already filled with God’s Grace by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. With this realization, our hearts will be overflowing that we shall soon find ourselves as the “seeker” searching for the next person (in hiding) to share our gracefilled journey. In the process, we can tag others so that they can be the next “seekers,” similar to the game, hide and seek. I may not be as gifted as Hidilyn but as a believer, I was taught to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
This calling for the great commission became up close and personal for me when I sustained a serious injury a few weeks ago. Beyond the excruciating pain that instantly reverberated throughout my body, what bothered me the most was the thought of possibly losing precious time in bringing my loved ones to know Christ more. I suddenly got worried about my children as I realized that the best gift a father can ever give them is nothing material, nothing of the earthly kind, but one that can win them an Olympic prize—eternal life. In the context of the game “hide-and-seek,” or the Olympic-triggered version “Hidilyn-and-seek,” our Heavenly Father did not save us to just sit in the stands or just wait and “hide.” He saved us to bring glory to Him by making His grace visible in the whole world, in whatever way possible. We can accomplish this by seeking and touching others with God’s grace, in words or in action, so that they may, in turn, continue to seek others, especially those who are “hiding” from the “light.”
This pandemic made us realize that our lives will wither and expire, like grass or a lit candle. Worse, the ending can be abrupt, without notice or preparation. Let’s make the most of our existence, now and without delay, to play Hidilyn-and-seek. We count one to 10 or even 100, seek those who are hiding, and touch or tag them with the Good News. We need not win Olympic gold or have a degree in Theology to do this; the way we live our lives for others in keeping with His commandments can suffice, at least for the time being.
A former infantry and intelligence officer in the Army, Siegfred Mison showcased his servant leadership philosophy in organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Airlines. He is a graduate of West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California. A corporate lawyer by profession, he is an inspirational teacher and a Spirit-filled writer with a mission.
For questions and comments, please e-mail me at sbmison@gmail.com.