A Virtual Church

Adieu Paris

August 15, 2024

Thank you for a spectacular treat in your hosting of the Summer Olympics for the past couple of weeks. Paris was the perfect backdrop and just what we needed this summer. The City of Lights did not disappoint in its creativity, liveliness and pure delight.
 
From the Opening Ceremony we could tell how much effort, thought and money had gone into the making of a once-in-a-lifetime event. Barges on the Seine with all the athletes and the extra shows of Lady Gaga and others along the way. A piano player on a burning boat. Music from Phantom of the Opera and Les Mis. The mechanical horse with rider floating down the river was pure magic. The headless Marie Antoinettes were costuming genius. Hard rock music and show tunes. What a show!
 
The lighting of the Olympic flame was like none other. A hot air balloon, that was developed in France, took center stage. It was stunning as it lifted into the Paris night. The video of the balloon against the lights of the Eiffel Tower was glorious. 
 
The beach volleyball court was set under the Eiffel Tower. Nobody else could do that. Venues in historic landmarks all over the city invited us into a tour of the beauty of Paris. The Monet Gardens and the architectural wonder of Versailles captivated us and drew us into the whole schedule of the Olympics, from the opening swimming to the closing track and field. 
 
Elite athletes from all over the world came together in the spirit of competition and love of their sport. Despite a few hiccups, everything seemed to go smoothly. Gymnastics with Simone Biles leading the team blew us away. In the competition we surely see the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Through it all, camaraderie stuck out as athletes cheered other athletes, consoled one another, and helped each other when needed. It was good to see such admirable behavior still existing in the world. 
 
There seemed to be enough medals to go around. It was good to see a few smaller nations win medals and it was heart-warming to see the Ukrainian team excel despite what is going on in their country. 
 
The French swimmer, Leon Marchand was fun to watch, as was American swimmer, Katy Ledecky. American track stars were amazing and the Basketball teams thrilling. Thank you all and congratulations all around. 
 
It’s a shame that Russia has behaved so badly in the world that their athletes were closed out of the competition. Russia always had strong Olympians in the games. Punishment often falls on the wrong wrong doers. I expect sometimes there may be concern in some of the countries under dictators and oppression that athletes may defect and seek amnesty in safer, freer countries. 
 
The Closing Ceremony was a tribute to the origins of the Olympic games. A lot of legend and lore played into this final show. This time the piano player was upside down as he played, which was quite a feat. But the piece de resistance was the handoff of the games to LA. 
 
Hollywood, here we come. The Tom Cruise stunt was a spectacular hand off. Dropping from the top of the arena, to a motorcycle driving through Paris into an airplane. Then sky diving into LA where the omni-present Snoop Dogg was waiting to receive the Olympic flag. LA is going to be fun! So hilarious to see the double O’s of the Hollywood sign become part of the Olympic rings. Even the Banger Sisters would approve. 
 
Of course, there have been naysayers criticizing both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. There are always gripers and complainers. Mocking God and hating Tom Cruise are stupid taunts. A lot of self-righteousness exists among us. It would be depressing to live around such humorless people. 
 
So, thank you Paris for your hospitality. You showed off your magically unique city with panache. Sad that it’s over. Now back to the mundane….like the elections.  But 2028 will be here before we know it. That’s the good news!
 
Adieu Paris. Hello LA.
 
Lib Campbell is a retired Methodist pastor, retreat leader, columnist and host of the blogsite www.avirtualchurch.com. She can be contacted at libcam05@gmail.com