God's Coaching #184

God's Coaching #184

The Henley Royal Regatta is rowing royalty. The history, setting, and traditions all point to a romantic image of royal tea parties, elegant fishing lodges, and fancy rowing races. The regatta started in 1839 as a one-day event just in the town of Henley, England, on the Thames River. But it grew into a premiere, five-day international amateur rowing tournament.

The regatta is still unlike any other rowing event in the world. Because it’s so old, the tournament uses its own rules instead of national or international rowing federation guidelines. One difference is Henley’s one-on-one racing instead of multi-lane competitions. The “royal” part of the name came about because the king or queen of England is an official sponsor of the event.

The race starts at beautiful Temple Island, named for the restored temple that was turned into a fancy fishing lodge. Its rolling meadows and wooded hills are just part of the river’s natural beauty that the regatta has committed to preserve. Regatta organizers maintain a sanctuary for plants and animals, and they plant trees along the river. They also build and remove all the race structures each year. In July the area is packed with people for the festivities. But from September through March, all you can see is the river’s natural habitat.

What’s the Score?

When Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, God instructed them to care for his creation. Genesis 2:15 tells us, “The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.” Too bad we don’t still live in Eden. But we do still have the job of taking care of God’s creation. We are free to enjoy and use the resources of the world, but we have to remember we are only stewards of what belongs to God. “He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too” (Psalm 95:4-5).

The Henley Royal Regatta uses the river for fun, but its organizers also are careful to take care of the natural environment. We should do our best to avoid wasting energy and natural resources and to protect areas and animals that are in danger of being destroyed. After all, they are part of God’s amazing creation.

On the Ball

Get a group of friends and family and buy a tree together. Choose a place in your yard or in a public place approved by your local government and plant the tree.

Coach’s Comment

The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. Genesis 2:15