I signed up for a triathlon but couldn’t swim

On September 7th, the end of this week, I will be competing in my first ever triathlon with my brother.

I signed up without knowing how to swim.

That is being slightly hyperbolic, but only slightly. Most of the pools I grew up playing in I could walk the bottom. When we went somewhere with deeper water, I only went safe distances. I’ve known enough to not drown, and I am thankful for that.

To actually swim in a competitive event seemed like a whole different world.

Practicing was horrible, mainly due to the destruction of my ego. I felt embarrassed jumping into a pool and flailing aimlessly around, gasping for air, growing tired after short spurts of energy. I would lay up on the side of the pool after a couple laps breathing like a beached whale, and I was praying no one was watching.

But after just a few weeks of practice, many critiques from Olga, and a few YouTube videos, I am finally comfortable in the water. So comfortable, in fact, that we drove up to Lake Michigan and I swam my race distance in open water… and I didn’t drown!

Being under-qualified

Signing up for a triathlon was harder than a signing up for a running race because it included elements I had never practiced or tried. I’ve never pushed myself on a road bike, and as you now know, I don’t swim. But this has reminded me that, by our very nature of being crafted by God, we are often more capable than we think.

I felt like, and still sometimes feel like, I am under-qualified to be a leader in ministry. It is true that in some ways I am. And yet, I have felt the Spirit use me in powerful ways, and people have reported to me of the impact with which God used my unqualified self.

You will never feel qualified to start your own business. I don’t know many couples who feel qualified to have kids. Public speaking is a huge fear for people because they feel under-qualified to speak on a subject. Many never feel ready to sign up for a race and challenge their physical ability.

Chances are, you are qualified enough to do the thing, you just need to go for it.This is where having a crazy friend like me is helpful. Someone who will encourage you relentlessly, or do it with you!

But if you are actually under-qualified, recognizing the weakness is an opportunity to work towards making it a strength. For example, if you can’t swim, do not immediately go for a long swim. Train for it. Think about it all the time. Talk to people about it. Learn about it. Make it a priority in your schedule to grow into a habit, something you kinda like and look forward to. Become good enough at it, then do the thing. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it has to be done. 

I’ve given many sermons I’m not proud of. I’ve written many posts and essays and books that no one will ever read. And when I swim on Saturday in the triathlon, I know I won’t be the best.

But what most people watching don’t know is that a month ago it took every bit of effort to not drown.

Now I am swimming.

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