Impacting the Lives of Others

   It was exciting to watch the swimming trials which were held during the week of June 26-July 3 in Omaha for the upcoming summer Olympics. Al and I recognized many of the swimmers who were former Olympians, like Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and Missy Franklin. Our great-niece Stanzi Moseley was also competing, which made it even more exciting for us.

    Stanzi’s whole family, consisting of two parents, six siblings and two sets of grandparents made the road trip out to Nebraska for the trials. In addition to this large fan club, friends from the Midwest also came to watch her and give their support, not to mention a very large network of people who were cheering her on from the convenience of their homes.

   We were able to see her swim in three events live via the computer, as she made a valiant endeavor to earn a position on the U.S. team. Stanzi faced some difficult challenges with courage and determination. Unfortunately, she didn’t qualify; however after the meet was over, she assured her supportive fan club that she would continue working out in order to be ready for the 2020 trials. Her brother, Robby, who is a year younger, announced that he is aiming for that goal too, as did a couple of the other siblings, all still very young but extremely dedicated to the sport. Thanks to Stanzi’s example, excitement is running high in their super swimming family!   

    Out of the many children in attendance at the event, a few happened to be singled out at random for special attention by some of the Olympians. Kids (and some adults too) lined the area where the athletes would enter and exit the poolside, hoping to get a glimpse of their favorite swimmers. One little girl who got an unexpected high-five from Michael Phelps said she would never wash that hand again! She held it up to the news camera with a wide smile.   

   Another child was surprised when Missy Franklin tossed her a t shirt. She clutched it to her chest and cried. And a boy looked astonished when Ryan Lochte handed him the silver medal he had earned after his 2^nd place finish in the 200 IM finals. Perhaps one of those small, thoughtful gestures will be the very thing to spur a young person on to excel in swimming, in another sport, or in other areas of life.

   Several years ago a professional basketball star was caught doing something wrong. During an interview, the TV news commentator mildly chastised him.

   “But you are supposed to be a role model!”

   The popular star’s reply was surprising.  “Oh, but I don’t want to be a role model!”

   Whether or not he wanted to be a “role model,” that man was still influencing thousands of young people by his actions, only maybe in the wrong way rather than for good. We will probably never know what kind of impact our actions and words have upon others, especially children; however, we can be sure that they are watching. May the Lord help us to live in such a way so as to have a positive influence on those around us.

   “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”

   “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden…let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-14, 16 b NIV