Last night we went to the first swim meet of the season. Our grandkids are "just getting their feet wet" with swimming and have joined a local pool and the swim team. These swim meets are quite exciting. The smell of grilled hamburgers mixes with chlorine. There is a constant background buzz of chatter between parents, kids and other family and friends. They really are a great growth opportunity for the kids as the little ones can join the teens and boys can team up with girls to represent one pool against another. The most thrilling races for me are the littlest children who are swimming the full length of the pool for the first time. Some of these kids are hardly bigger than a peanut and it is exciting to watch them plunge into the pool and then bob, flail and inch their way down the lanes to the far end. It must be an overwhelming sight for them before they start...the crowd is watching...the pool stretches out far ahead...they may not have ever succeeded to that point...and then they leave the wooden blocks and head out, with everyone encouraging them from the pool side. It was especially endearing to watch the hugs and praises and applause as each one finished. I think it is a great picture of faith and fellowship. Each of us has our time on the blocks with a challenge stretched out before us and the crowd around. At a certain point we jump, in faith, believing that we have enough trust to stay afloat and enough skill to keep our heads above water and move to the goal, despite how far away it seems. But we are surprised to find the shouts and encouragement of others and how much that invigorates us to keep on to the end. Yes, faith and fellowship are great companions, and children make some of the best teachers!
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
blessings,
Rob Smith
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