Like A Machine

Last night we were watching the Olympics, specifically the Women's 50 meter freestyle finals.  Basically the women jump in one end of the pool and swim as fast as they can to the other end.  With such a short race, the swimmers typically breathe only once.  Breathing more often would probably slow them down.  This race is a sprint.  Anything that slows them down must be removed.

As the underwater camera focused on the swimming of one female, you could see her body move like a machine.  Her legs kicked back and forth the entire race.  Her arms quickly stroked left-right-left-right-left-right.  After about swimming half the length of the pool she took half a second to turn her head and breath.  She swam the last half of the race without taking another breath.  It was an impressive feat to watch.  It also made me realize that she had put in countless hours of training and exercise.  She probably had many early morning workouts, afternoon workouts, and a strict diet.  She was obviously dedicated to her sport.

I wonder about myself and those around me.  What are we dedicating ourselves to?  What are we training for?  (For me this summer has been spent on relaxing after 3 years of full-time seminary.)  But now it's almost time for me to start my next job as a teacher.  I wonder about how I'll spend my free time this fall.  Will I be dedicating my efforts to things that will last or will I merely be pursuing my own comfort and convenience?  I've said to myself that I'd start exercising regularly once seminary was over.  I should also make more of an effort to spend time engaged with my kids while at home.  It's easy to play on the internet and let them do their own thing.  Now I need to keep that promise.  How about you all?  Is there anything you need to (re)dedicate yourself to?

-JMG