Finally Learning to Swim
Tammy and I—like many throughout the country—have been glued to NBC’s coverage of the Olympics and cheering on Team USA. She and I both look forward to the Olympics every four years, and we were severely disappointed last year when the games were delayed. But the Olympics are here now, and I have sat with my mouth agape as I’ve witnessed great athleticism—watching Akbar Djuraev lift over 522 pounds to win gold in weightlifting, watching the triathletes swim and cycle and run, watching the female gymnasts perform their floor exercises, and the male gymnasts compete on the rings. The talent, dedication, and determination of the competitors will amaze even the most casual observer.
However, you probably wouldn’t be surprised to learn that swimming is by far my favorite Olympic sport. I’ve watched Caeleb Dressel and Katie Ledecky with a mix of awe and wonder. I swim several miles a week and watching the Olympians’ speed leaves me speechless—I just cannot imagine how someone can swim that quickly. As somebody who tries to swim, I can appreciate the speed of those elite athletes in a way non-swimmers simply can’t.
Yet, something amazing has happened in the last week: I carefully watched how the swimmers in Tokyo moved through the water in their races. I have taken their strokes and incorporated their styles into my swims, and I’ve improved my speed considerably; for I kick harder and better. and I’ve learned new ways to cup my hands to move through the water. My heart rate stays right where it’s supposed to be during a good, strenuous workout, and I’m burning more calories than ever before. I learned a great deal by watching.
People watch you every day. Jesus put it like this: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:14-16).
What does your light—your example—demonstrate to the world? Do you show the world how to love like Jesus? Do you show the world how to forgive like the Father? Do you show the world how to bless your enemies? Do you show the world how to pray? Do you show the world how to become great by serving? Do you show the world how to be a disciple of the Lord of heaven and earth?
How is your example? What are others learning from you?
This article was originally written by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., for the weekly newsletter at Church of Christ Deer Park in Deer Park, Texas.