Humility and pride

I went to the pool at the Y last night to swim. There were a class of young swimmers. They swim fast. As they passed me, I cannot help but to think I am 10-15 years older then most of them. I am a triathlete for five years, finished an Ironman and a multiple of Half Ironmans and triathlons. I should be a strong swimmer compare to these kids who haven't done a triathlon before. I should show them what swimming is all about...

When I first started triathlon five years ago, I did not know how to swim. I still remember those days I would head to the pool before work. Everyday. In a swimming class, my coach would split us up into three groups. The fast, the slow, and me. I was so slow I had my own lane.

Was it humiliating? Yes. Was it humble? EVEN more.

As I live, I started to see the difference between pride and humility. Looking back it is not hard to pick those points I was prideful. The hardest part is admiting my pridefulness while I was prideful. And I can say, this is not something I can do it on my own. I need Him to reveal it to me.

And how often I forget. Just like the Isralites after rescued by God from the Egyptians. God shown miracle after miracle. Free from the enslavement by the Egyptians, the parting of the Red Sea, the water...and instantly in Exodus 16, they grumble and want to go back to Egypt.

At worst, at ministry, who am I to say I deserve to do this or that. Rather, every ministry, no matter how big or how small, comes from Him. And thus, it should be strengthen by Him and seek His guidance. So even if it is ministering to one group or one person, it really doesn't matter. And for now, I can say, God is teaching me a humbling lesson. To reach out one at a time. To disciple one at a time. To share the gospel one at a time.

During the pool last night, I really want to swim hard and show those kids what swimming is all about. There is one saying in Ironman...'slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.' So I swim slow to focus on my technique. I need to go back to the basics. Those humble beginning.

And I am thankful for those beginning. So that I can remember that it is God who delivers. Not by my own strength, nor might. It is all Him at work.

Amen!