Michael Phelps: finishing strong

This is my submission for Watercooler Wednesday at Ethos - Cultural Watercooler.

Swimming is where it’s at this Olympic year. I can’t resist Michael Phelps’ quest for the history books. One little lesson was brought home to me watching the past few days of Olympic glory. Apparently when you are swimming, how you finish is as important as how you run the race. At least two races that I know of were won — or lost — based on the swimmer’s hand position as they tapped the wall for the finish. The swimmer who kept their form and extended their hand to touch the wall won over the swimmer who flexed their hand at the last moment.

In life, too, we are often judged on how we finish. Blow the last seconds and you may not stand on the podium receiving your medal. I want to finish well. I want to follow through on my words and promises. I want to represent Him with my hand extended, forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead.

I’m going to finish well.