The Weight of Expectations

In Chapter II of the Journey to Capo series we follow Animal powerlifter Garrett Griffin around southern Louisiana. He talks about the differences of life today versus when he was growing up and the differences of pre and post Katrina. Throughout the video he relates things in his life to powerlifting in that he always wants to exceed people’s expectations of him.

Garrett didn’t get into lifting on his own. He was pretty powerful before he started competing. But, one day someone saw him benching and said he should compete. He took the advice, entered a competition, and left $1000 richer. And throughout his life no matter what he did he was always supported by his family. There is even a very touching moment when he talks about his grandfather who passed away years ago who was always supportive of anything he did. But with the support of family, friends, and a powerful company behind him, he doesn’t want to let anyone down and wants to exceed any expectations they may have for him.

What is this whole Lent thing for? 40 days in the desert? Strengthening prayer/spiritual/faith? Growing closer to Christ? Becoming holier? Why? What’s the point? The point is that God wants nothing less from us than everything. “What? That’s crazy.” But, it’s true, God wants all of us, everything. Even Jesus told us, “So be perfect, just as your heavenly father is perfect”, (Matthew 5:48) God wants so much of us that if we present anything less he will spit us out, “So because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth”, (Revelation 3:16) Actually, the better translation is “vomit”. That’s a pretty picture. Lent is a great time to get back to being “hot”.

What is the point of this life? What are we called to? We are called to be saints, plain and simple, nothing less. Every thought, every moment, every choice, is drawing us closer or pulling us further from Christ and sainthood, “All life is an emergency”, (Peter Kreeft). One of my favorite quotes from a saint is from St. Irenaeus, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” “Léon Bloy wrote: 'Life holds only one tragedy: not to have been a saint”, (Peter Kreeft). How do we become saints? “Nothing but prayer can make saints because nothing but God can make saints, and we meet God in prayer. Prayer is the hospital for souls where we meet Doctor God.” (Peter Kreeft). And how do you pray? “The single most important piece of advice about prayer is one word: Begin!” (Peter Kreeft).

For more evidence of how much God expects of us check out: Leviticus 11:44, Leviticus 19:02, James 1:4, 1 John 3:3

And, if you’re wondering about my Peter Kreeft homage pretty much all of the quotes come from Prayer for Beginners