Nathan Schrimsher fulfilled a dream when he competed in the modern pentathlon event at the 2016 Olympics. He’s been working toward this goal for years, and his training and journey to the pinnacle of his athletic achievement has been a family affair.
That’s why, despite the excitement, the experience was mingled with sorrow. Schrimsher’s dad, Keith, died unexpectedly in 2015 and he’s the one who was on Schrimsher’s mind during the competition.
“The Lord gives and takes away, and that was the day He took away,” Schrimsher said of his father’s death. “Nothing is guaranteed except for our faith in the Lord.”
Schrimsher owes a lot to his dad, who was described in his obituary as “a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. … His faith assures that he is no longer suffering the trials of this world but is rejoicing in the arms of his Lord and Savior.”
The Christian home that Keith Schrimsher established and the commitment to always having his family in church led to Nathan Schrimsher’s conversion as a child.
Nathan Schrimsher’s competition began Aug. 18. He said he missed sharing the joy with his dad. He said he’d gladly give the Olympics away if it meant having more time with his father. But he can only trust in the Lord’s goodness as he continues to mourn.
“Sometimes you don’t understand everything at the moment, but I’m trying to walk by faith and trust in the Lord,” Nathan Schrimsher said. “He’s in control of all things even though I can’t see or can’t understand at the time.
“I just keep putting one step in front of the other,” he said. “I can’t do that on my own, but just pray and trust that I rely on the Lord for that.”
(BP)
Share with others: