Run the Race with Patience: From Delphi to Olympia

 

(town of Olympia)

Hebrews 12:1 says, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

There are days on a journey that feel less like travel and more like a walk through history, and today was one of them.

After a delightful breakfast buffet filled with local abundance—Greek yogurt drizzled with honey, freshly baked breads, preserves, vegetables, eggs, and savory meats—we departed with both grateful hearts and eager anticipation. As the bus rolled forward, Bill guided us into a reflective prayer time and shared a devotional from Psalm 107, reminding us to remember the Lord’s faithfulness across generations. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 106:1)

Our route traced the breathtaking coastal highway along the Corinthian Gulf, where the blue waters seemed to stretch endlessly beside us. Along the way, Emily offered a sweeping overview of Greek history, from ancient civilizations to the founding of Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC. She also reminded us that the modern Olympic Games were revived in Athens in 1896, connecting past and present in a powerful narrative of endurance, excellence, and unity.

(the temple of Zeus with one column standing)

Upon arriving in Olympia, we stepped into history at the Archaeological Site of Ancient Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking among the ruins—the Temple of Zeus, the Gymnasium, the Palaestra, and the Philippeion—we could almost hear the echoes of ancient athletes preparing for competition. Eventually, we made our way to the stadium itself.

There, the experience became more than historical; it became personal.

(entrance to the ancient stadium in Olympia)

While we stood at the entrance to the stadium, Bill reflected on the Apostle Paul’s athletic imagery in passages like 1 Corinthians 9:24: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Inspired by those words, eight members of our group took to the ancient track, running the length of the stadium and back—200 meters each way—while the rest of us cheered them on with enthusiasm. It was a joyful moment, full of laughter, encouragement, and a shared sense that we, too, are runners in a greater race.

(Bill sharing insights at the corner inside the stadium)

As Theodore Roosevelt once said, "The credit belongs to the one who actually in the arena." Today, we witnessed that truth, both literally and spiritually. 

Our curiosity then led us to the site of the Olympic cauldron. Emily pointed out the platform where the torch lighting ceremony begins for the modern Olympic Games—a symbolic flame that continues to unite nations in peace and competition. Standing there, we were reminded that some flames are worth carrying forward.

From there, we visited the Museum of Ancient Olympia, where statues and artifacts told stories of artistry, devotion, and human aspiration. Each piece seemed to whisper a reminder that what we build, believe, and pursue matters.

Following our time at the museum, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Touris Club in Olympia—another opportunity to savor both the cuisine and the companionship of fellow travelers. Then came a unique and flavorful experience: an olive oil demonstration and tasting. We learned about the harvesting process, the grading of oils, and sampled a variety of olive oils, dressings, and local honeys. It was a sensory reminder that some of life’s richest blessings are cultivated slowly and shared generously.

By late afternoon, we arrived at the Amalia Hotel Olympia—a peaceful retreat just outside the village, familiar to some from past journeys. After several full days, the slower pace was a gift. Some rested, others reflected, and a few gathered in the lobby for a friendly game of Five Crowns. It was a moment to breathe, to laugh, and to simply be present.

Because dinner was scheduled for 7:30 p.m., a little extra free time offered space for both rest, exercise, and to catch up on messages. Tomorrow, we journey onward to Corinth, where we will gather near the ancient agora for worship and communion, a sacred pause in a historic place.

For now, we give thanks for a day of safe travels, meaningful moments, and no interruptions.

The race of faith is not about speed, but about endurance. Not about perfection, but about perseverance.

At home or abroad, may we run our race with patience and with purpose.