I was halfway done with my twenty-lap swim when an elderly lady began hers on the lane next to me. I thought I had a pretty good freestyle stroke going when after swimming half the length of the pool, I realized I was being passed by the new swimmer on the next lane. I was incredulous. I felt embarrassed that I was being out swum by this lady.
So then I decided I’d take the pace up a notch --- no good. I couldn’t close in. When I looked up, I noticed I had just swam a 36-second lap. After about two laps of this, I was exhausted --- in all my efforts I was barely keeping pace with her, yet I could not --- for the life of me --- pass her.
Exhausted and embarrassed, I sat at the end of the pool after I finished my 20 laps, trying to figure out her secret. Her strokes seemed so effortless, yet she seemed to be gliding on air. Only after she flipped during her turn did I notice the fins on her feet. I smiled and shook my head for stressing over another night of trying to keep up with Mrs. Jones.
I wonder --- how many of us become unhappy with our own pace when we suddenly see the Jones’ passing us by?
It doesn’t really matter how fast we get there -- right? What matters is that we make the journey the best way we can.
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
5 comments:
It is so good to hear your voice again Noel Lewis!
I, for one have really missed you.
Right away , here you are with such a life learning lesson written again.
You finished your goal by swimming the whole distance from this swim and that is the important thing. You didn't give up just because someone older kept passing you.
I think in being a Chrisian, running the race set before us, age has nothing to do with it.
After all we are all going to be winners in the long run!
You kind of remind of what Jesus said to Peter when Peter asked, when he saw John "..and what shall this man do?"
Ha! in modern English Noel Lewis... Jesus answered Peter, whom He dearly loved, "Mind your own bees wax" YOU follow Me!"
I think that you are doing a pretty good job of it Noel, I mean your following Jesus and all and NOT giving up even though you are going through such sad times.
I really do think that the Lord is using Noel Lewis, whom He dearly loves to be a help to some of us who sometimes need his encourgament and help, even some of us who are OLD!
I am in need of some more help, as I want to add a few people to my favorite links.
What say Noel Lewis? Could you help me out again?
God's blessings on you today Noel....from Terry
Hi Noel,
My name is Bill and I am visiting you from Terry's blog. I hear that youlove Jesus with your whole heart. I do to....I was hoping we could chat a bit and let iron sharpen iron.
Hi Noel...Just in between picking up kids for Sunday School and wanted to say Hi to you and wish you a great Sunday...Talk to you later...From Terry
Hello Bill Scott!
Nice to see a comment made to Noel Lewis, who is my forever friend!
Blessed to see you post again Noel...pray God is providing you each day with new strength and encouragement.....
donna
Thanks Noel for working on my links. I really appreciate you...from Terry
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