01-13-26

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 13, 2026
Jim Hartung died on January 10. That may not be a name you know, but he was one of my heroes during my high school years. Jim was a Nebraska Cornhusker gymnast in the early 80s when I, a high school gymnast, was working out on Sunday afternoons at the university’s open gym. During Jim’s four years at the University of Nebraska, they won the National Championship each year. He also served as a judge for some of our high school meets. He was named to the US Olympic Team in 1984, and after the US won the gold at the Los Angeles Olympics, I got to hang out with Jim, and even hold his gold medal. It was a pretty cool and nerdy moment for this mediocre gymnast. I remember him being so down-to-earth and kind to a bunch of nerdy high school kids. There was no arrogance, and in fact, I remember him talking to me after a meet in which he was one of the judges, and he encouraged me to add something small to my floor routine. At a time when narcissistic behavior is celebrated and the egotistical seem to believe they are above everyone else, I celebrate those whose accomplishments give them permission to be a little haughty, yet they choose to do just the opposite and create a memory that someone writes about  40 years later.

In Jesus, you, O Lord, have invited us to choose the way of humility and service. It is a challenge for most of us, yet you have provided us with the example in Jesus, but also in so many others who made an impact through meekness and kindness. Amen.