In my last post, I mentioned that there have been several unexpected deaths lately. Some of those who died I knew better than others and some I only really knew of….but, either way, it has been a sobering few weeks. Perhaps that is why today’s prompt, Success, quickly reminded me of Paul’s longing (in II Timothy 4:7) “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” No doubt, all of us, as Christians, long to hear the Father say, “Well done.” That will be success for God’s children.”
Acts 20:24 says, “…..neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy….” We all have a course to run and the goal, despite whatever obstacles there might be, is to finish. Not to quit or even to faint. (Galatians 6:9) We probably all know stories of those who trained and prepared…those who had all the potential to race well…but did not. Those who did not finish for all sorts of reasons. But I am reminded of the story of Florence Chadwick.
In 1952, Florence attempted to swim the 26 miles between California and Catalina Island. A team traveled in boats alongside her in order to watch for sharks (??!) and to be available if she had any trouble. She swam for fifteen hours before a thick fog settled in making hard, or impossible, for Florence to see and she eventually decided to quit and had the team pull her into the boat. It was then she discovered she was only one mile from Catalina Island. One mile.
There are so many lessons in that story. Lessons about perseverance. Lessons about life’s fog. Lots of lessons. But, this morning, through the prompt and this story, God impressed on my heart the need – and the joy – of being encouragers. Florence had a team right alongside her. Her own mother was even in one of the boats. I can’t help but wonder what they were saying. If they would have looked ahead – perhaps from a viewpoint above water level – and could have urged her to continue. Could they have kept her confidence up enough to finish? What difference could they have made?
In the same way, what difference can I make for others around me who are struggling to run their race? Those who might be weary, discouraged or those who may be ready to quit. Those in our church family, co-laborers in ministry, friends, family, pastors and other leaders, missionaries – and missionary wives – so far from home. All of these – Christians striving to run their race well. We might know some of the struggles they face and, then again, we might have no idea. But our coming alongside as an encourager might be all that is needed to finish that one mile ahead.
STOP – Just for the record, Florence Chadwick attempted her swim again in just two months. Even though the fog set in again, she finished. And went on to make the swim two more times – as well, became the first woman to swim the English Channel.
Jennifer! So glad you told us that Florence tried again and was successful! I’m so glad she did. Imagine living your life knowing you had come that close! Wow!
Such a lesson in this story, don’t give up, you could be just one mile from success.
So glad when you stop by! And, yes, we never know when we are “just one more mile” away:) Have a great weekend!
Great story! That must have been so frustrating for her to discover how close she came to achieving her goal. I’m glad she was able to try again and succeed.
Can you imagine how frustrating? But she was right back at it….I hope I would have the same perseverance!
I’m going to make that final mile,
for you, and for the team,
and I will do it with a smile
even though that mile is green.
They say that I am going to die,
but first, I’m going to live;
I’m still runnin’, steppin’ high,
and have so much to give.
For I have learned life’s secret,
the truth all want to gain;
it’s giving all with no regret,
and never mind the pain.
One day God will make the call,
and in that hour I’ll have it all.
Praying for you, Andrew – as you make your final mile(s)!!
That’s so lovely Jennier! To be encouragers and cheer each other on!
Thanks much – for stopping by and for your comment!
What a story……wow
It has always stuck with me!
Ahh, Jennifer, what a poignant post. Finishing well is something most of us long to do. This is such a beautiful story about Florence, and about how she had a second chance to swim and accomplish her goal.
I really like how you bring up the fact that we each have opportunities to encourage others to finish their races well. May we both be difference-makers in the lives of those around us.
Truly, Jeanne, that is my desire….to be a difference-maker in the lives around me. Certainly that will play a huge part in my own finishing well! So glad you stopped by today!!