Thoughts on Sochi, Endurance and Running The Race on The Lord's Terms

*Post authored by Jessica Wilkinson

"On the race of endurance it is not about how far we get, it is about how far we've come. Everyone on Earth is on the track, but you and I have decided to run the race on different terms. Striving to run by a different set of rules not conditional on how others chose to compete, or standards set by outside sponsors, but by the conditions of the creator of the race. Because we have chosen to run on the Creator's terms, it was and is necessary that we register and enter in by the way."

-Gary K. Wilkinson





Like everyone else, our family absolutely loves to watch the Olympics. Seeing the coverage in Russia has brought back a lot of the fond memories and even those, shall we say "interesting" experiences we had during our time spent living in Eastern Europe. As the games progress, I can be found cheering a little too loudly at the T.V. screen and getting choked up when an athlete has the performance of their life. Even worse, the mistake of their career. Gary on the other hand is just happy to see it play out and probably thinks I am a little crazy. Jordan, our two year old...well he is over there trying to imitate all of the events which can be pretty entertaining (you should see his skills during the summer Olympics, move over Aly Raisman). As for the baby, we seem to have to perform at an Olympic level ourselves just to keep her from continually climbing on top of the entertainment center. That girl is a climber! To be honest, the coverage of the Sochi games here in New Zealand isn't as glamorous, or dramatic as it is in the mother land. And there is definitely no Bob Costas-pink eye or not-giving the highlights and heart touching stories of the athletes every evening. Non the less the spirit of sport, competition, and the sheer dedication of the Athletes, their families and coaches is still undeniable.

                                                                                                                                          Every Olympic Games has its own supply of fairytale endings like that of Silver medalist and fellow Mormon, Noelle Pikus-Pace. As well as epic disappointments similar to 2-time Gold medalist, Shaun White, who as we know sadly missed the podium this time around, only just. All of this is what draws us in. The spirit of what the Olympics stand for is one of the things that keeps us coming back for more over the years. The fact that the Olympic stage is set in Russia this time around, adds a dimension of drama on it's own that we could spend a entire post talking about, all bathroom mishaps aside.





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Though Gary has never had to break his way through any doors before one of his games to compete. Being a professional athlete himself, he can relate in some small way with these incredible men and women and the sacrifices they have made to get where they are, to be in the race for an Olympic medal. The endless hours spent training. The pressure of not only being eligible to qualify for the games, but then to enter into an Olympic event and be able to perform at the highest level you are capable of at that very moment...just thinking about it makes my own heart race.





When it comes to the Olympic games of life and our personal races for "Gold." We realize that all of us, as God's children have decided to enter in the race, this race that we call mortal probation. In the preexistence, we anxiously entered our number so to speak, and agreed to the terms set by the creator of the race, our Father in Heaven. We made the decision to be tested in this Earthly life, and wanted to gain a physical body necessary for exaltation. Everyone of us came here and qualified for this opportunity in the same way, by accepting God's plan of salvation. I love my husband's ability to formulate his thoughts into beautiful words. Let's revisit the quote from above if I may.                                                                          


                                                                                                                                          "On the race of endurance it is not about how far we get, it is about how far we've come. Everyone on Earth is on the track, but you and I have decided to run the race on different terms. Striving to run by a different set of rules not conditional on how others chose to compete, or standards set by outside sponsors, but by the conditions of the creator of the race. Because we have chosen to run on the Creator's terms, it was and is necessary that we register and enter in by the way."
                                                                                                                                              

Running the race on the Lord's terms, and playing by the rules set by the Creator of this race we call life, requires us to be accountable in a way that the world we are currently living in seems to be losing sight of. The world will tell you it is okay to cut corners here and there, that getting ahead means living in the gray every now and then. The ideals of the world would have you believe that the ideals of our forefathers are old fashioned. That morality and being chaste means being responsible-not faithful or abstinent. Anything and everything is acceptable as long as it feels good and you are expressing your "individuality".  My kids are growing up in a world that tells them their self worth comes from how they look, what they own or how "hard and fast" they've lived. But those who have made the decision to come unto Christ know that these ideologies won't lead to any "podiums", only empty, fleeting moments of artificial happiness.

                                                                                                                                     Consciously striving to live in the light, within the parameters set by the Creator of the race, seems to be proving more and more daunting, even sometimes difficult everyday. It requires endurance, endurance of an Olympic level in a manner of speaking. Unlike the Winter Olympic games, where if you make a severe violation of the set rules, you are automatically disqualified from the medal race. In the Lord's race you are never past the point of qualification in God's eyes. When entered in by His way, there is always an avenue to make it to the podium when it comes to our Father in Heaven.

                                                                                  "On the race of endurance it is not about how far we get, it is about how far we've come..."


                                                                                                                                                 God will never leave your side, the creator of the race is here for you always. To coach you, cheer you on, wipe your tears, praise your victories and tirelessly fight for you and your spot on the podium. After all, he already paid for it with the blood of his only begotten son. If you keep your faith and trust in him, if you but only endure..."Gold' can be yours.
                                                                                                                         *This post was inspired by a talk given by Gary in sacrament meeting, Takapuna ward-NZ, at the New Year on goal setting and having the endurance necessary to reach them. The quote I (Jess) used is one small piece of his remarks from that day. If you would like to know more about his original talk, and the views that he expressed, please fill out a contact form. In no way are any of my thoughts and opinions or Gary's thoughts and opinions official doctrine endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Thank you for reading

An Intro to the Stormin' Mormon

Gary's story is one you have heard of many times before. A young kid, truly lost in most every way who came to find God in his life. Once he did and allowed the Lord to "call the plays", true miracles began to happen. Through this page some of Gary's and his wife, Jess' thoughts will be shared. Anything Gospel related, or parenting, from humor and personal struggles, current events to blasts from the past. Join The Wilkinson's on their journey to become better, more Christ-like and accompany them in their hopes of doing some good and spreading a little sunshine.

photo by Getty

"Gary Kristopher Wilkinson was born Oct. 2nd 1982; he was raised in South Jordan, Utah-USA. Wilkinson experienced a very happy childhood in Utah. Though his parents would later divorce, he always felt loved and supported by his family. Even so, Gary turned to a path of self destruction and drug addiction while in his youth, making decisions that would surely put him on a path to nowhere. One of which included the decision to drop out of High-School. At the age of 18, one of Gary’s friends unfortunately took his own life. In light of the events surrounding his friend’s suicide,  Wilkinson took a step back to examine his own life. At this time he started to ask himself the questions that would eventually prompt him to change: Was he becoming a person that could look in the mirror and be proud of himself? Where would the life that he was living going to lead him?
In the midst of these questions, missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came to his door. Gary listened to what they had to say and that is when he saw his life truly began to take shape.

–He was baptized and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in January of 2001

-He then served a mission from 2003-2005 in Canada, Calgary.

-Upon returning home, he sought to play basketball at the collegiate level. Never having played high school basketball, he realized that this would be a great challenge. Undaunted, he tried out with the Salt Lake Community College Bruins and was offered a full ride scholarship on the spot.

-There he met, his beautiful wife Jessica (Petersen) who was playing on the Bruin volleyball & basketball teams.

-Gary and Jess were wed for time and all Eternity in the Salt Lake Temple, summer 2006.

-Within the two years spent studying at SLCC, Gary was an Athletic and Academic All-American both years, which opened the door for various scholarship opportunities. Gary and Jessica decided to both accept scholarships to Utah State University and continue their collegiate sport careers.

- While there, Gary enjoyed two stellar years both on the court and in the class room. He scored over 1,000 points in just two seasons and was named an AP All-American, WAC Player of the year, and tournament MVP, among many other awards. After graduating from Utah State with Magna Cum Laude honors, Wilkinson went on to pursue his dream and play professional basketball.

-With the help of the Lord, Wilkinson has been blessed to play professional basketball in the NBA Summer league with the Utah Jazz as well as overseas in: South Korea, Greece, Estonia, Puerto Rico, and New Zealand, experiencing great successes all along the way. Some of which include being awarded Australian NBL All-first team honors, being a 2-Time ANBL Grand Final Champion, winning the 2013 Estonian league Champion and being named Estonian league player of the year.

Though Gary Wilkinson has been grateful to have so much success professionally, he will tell you that his faith and his family are easily the things that he treasures most. Some of the callings within his church that Wilkinson has enjoyed since his conversion to the include; Ward mission leader, Ward missionary, Primary & Sunday school teacher, Elder’s quorum teacher and most recently 2nd counselor in the Elders quorum presidency. Apart from turning his life around and making the pivotal decision to COME UNTO CHRIST, Wilkinson considers his wife Jessica, as well as his two beautiful children, Jordan & Eva, to be his greatest joy and achievement. When the time comes for Gary to retire from the game of basketball, He plans to pursue an education in Law and hopes to someday become a judge."