When my eldest daughter was four years old, she proudly declared her ambition to become a Swimmer, among many other aspirations. Maggie, embodying the typical characteristics of an oldest child, displayed a long list of dreams and a spirited determination to pursue them.
During the winter season when indoor pools were not readily accessible, a visit to her grandparents’ place over Christmas presented an exciting opportunity for Maggie. They kindly offered to care for the younger sibling, allowing my husband and me to accompany Maggie for a swim. The anticipation had been building up for weeks, and finally, the day had arrived for her cherished dream to unfold.
Upon arriving at the pool, we entered the water and spotted an empty lane. Standing waist-deep a few feet apart, my husband and I positioned ourselves to guide her back and forth between us along the narrow lane. With her brimming with excitement, I attempted to motivate her by pointing out the lane rope behind me and stating, “Alright, Maggie, this is your objective!”
However, instead of pushing off from the edge, she furrowed her brow in annoyance, shook her head, and gestured towards the far end of the pool, nearly 50 yards away, affirming, “No, Mom. That’s my goal.”
The essence of many of our aspirations lies in finding a delicate equilibrium between the ultimate destination and the incremental steps needed to attain it. Similar to learning to drive, we must adeptly shift our focus between the distant road signs and the immediate dashboard instruments, knowing when to turn onto a street and distinguishing between the gas and brake pedals. The juxtaposition of these two perspectives, near and far, is symbiotic—neither holds significant value without the other.
In my personal journey, I have found it beneficial to oscillate between the eternal Then and the mortal Now. Embracing a childlike enthusiasm to gaze far into the future and exclaim, “ That’s my goal!” is exhilarating, yet it necessitates fundamental guidance and extensive practice to master essential swimming techniques like floating, kicking, and executing broad arm strokes.
Parenting, in this context, serves as a profound instructor. Each day spent nurturing children requires a continuous exercise in shifting perspectives: imparting a celestial outlook while teaching them to exercise caution in their immediate surroundings!
However, the chasm between the Then and Now can sometimes be disheartening. On certain days, the far end of the pool may seem impossibly distant, with fogged-up goggles impeding your vision and a back float leading you in circles. Though technically swimming, you may not feel quite like a Swimmer yet.
The key to evolving into a proficient swimmer lies in cultivating a genuine love for swimming.
This wisdom carries spiritual implications for me. While I have always aspired to lead a virtuous life, embracing life wholeheartedly did not come naturally. Reflecting on my earlier years, I realized that my drive and determination often outweighed the joy in my experiences. Witnessing my children grapple with similar challenges in finding happiness—despite their relentless efforts—prompted me to seek profound insights into the essence of mortal existence. Shouldn’t the journey be enjoyable?
A profound exploration into the experiences of Eve and Adam, both within and beyond the Garden, enlightened me on navigating the realms of Then and Now. I discovered that harmoniously embracing both simultaneously—akin to taking side breaths while maintaining a steady arm movement—is indeed achievable. Eve’s resounding testimony underscores the notion that “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” By centering our focus on Christ and collaborating with Him, we can cultivate a love for life, even amidst adversities.
Several months following Maggie’s inaugural lap lane escapade, we relocated to North Carolina, settling in a picturesque southern town with a community pool and a summer swim team. Throughout the sweltering summer months, all the children became proud members of the Woodcroft Whirlwinds.
Amidst a diverse range of age groups and skill levels, there was always a peer to admire and learn from, as well as another to support and guide. The local college student coaches, exuding enthusiasm and team spirit, imparted not only swimming techniques but also instilled a sense of camaraderie through team cheers. Before we knew it, Maggie had transformed into a proficient Swimmer!
Life mirrors this narrative in many ways. If we narrow our focus solely on the end goal, the journey can feel like an arduous trek. It is wiser to envelop ourselves in a robust support network, with Christ as the Head Coach, supported by parents, mentors, ministers, and a circle of friends and neighbors. Collaborative efforts pave the way for a more joyous and fulfilling journey.
Together, by lifting and supporting one another while frequently casting our gaze upwards, what once seemed like toil gradually transforms into play, making life inherently lovable.