Lessons from an Unmet Goal

As many of you know, I am a goal-oriented person. For as long as I can remember, I have set goals. These may be spiritual goals, relational goals, marriage goals, financial goals, ministry goals…and even physical goals. Setting goals helps motivate me to push myself to go that “extra mile.” I’m not sure where it came from, but I’ve never wanted my life to be “average,” whatever that means.

Most of the time, I accomplish the goals I set out to achieve. In fact, truth be told, I can’t remember a time when I haven’t reached whatever goal I set…until a few days ago. This past Saturday, I entered my first open water swim competition in Costa Rica. I entered the 3,000 meter swim, which was the longest race of the day. That’s 1.8 miles.

However, I didn’t complete the race. It was two loops around a beautiful bay called Punta Leona. At the half-way mark we had to run back onto the beach where we started and then swim another 1,500 meters completing a second loop. But I pulled out of the race and did not swim the second loop around the bay.

Why am I sharing this? Well, I’ve been processing what I learned from the experience. I think the lessons have been helpful for me. Perhaps they might be helpful for you, too.

The first thing I learned was that God’s love for me has nothing to do with me finishing the race or not. Now, this may sound trite to some. But those that know me best will understand that this was a significant moment for me. I’ve been swimming (to use an appropriate metaphor) in God’s love for me ever since I quit the race at the half-way mark. None of us can earn more of God’s love, no matter how many races we complete or trophies we win. I needed to learn this, and relearn it and relearn it again.

A second thing I learned was that goals can be helpful, but they also can be misleading. Since I swam the 2.7 mile Donner Lake race for many years, I assumed this 1.8 mile open water race would be similar and, perhaps, easier, since it was shorter. I was wrong. It was humbling to learn that I had overestimated my abilities. I had not trained enough and I was simply not prepared adequately for the ocean swim. Next time, I will not be so self-confident…and I will prepare much more diligently.

A third thing I learned is it’s always wise to listen to your wife. In this case, as I rounded the turn heading toward the beach to begin the second lap, Pam’s last words as I left the house came to mind. (Pam had to stay home to lead a Rooted Bible study.) She said, “Be careful and please don’t do anything foolish.” I probably could have made it through the second loop. But it would have been foolish given my inadequate preparation. So, I took Pam’s counsel to heart and pulled out of the race. Wise words from a wise woman.

These are the lessons I learned from my unmet goal. This December, I will enter the same race again. This time I will be ready.

Warmly,

Steve and Pam