From the mountain top to the valley...

Daniel is an avid swimmer.  During the school year he spends more time in the pool and lifting weights than someone who works a 20 hour part time job. He is totally devoted to the sport and desires to continue swimming in college. Participation in the sport has taught him many valuable life and spiritual lessons. His favorite verse, Phillipians 4:13, became his favorite verse during his first Championship meet when he was 10 years old. Today he learned another thing about life. Things don't always go the way you want them to, and during the down times, you just have to trust in the Lord and just keep on plugging.

Last week he was on cloud nine. He swam at High School Conference Championship Meet and finished 2nd in 200 IM and 100 Breast. His time in Breast, which is his specialized stroke, was a great time of 58.71. This broke the school record he had set earlier in the season.  He was particularly glad that a certain "friend" had not beaten him, because this "friend" has been bragging about how he was going to beat Daniel. The "friend" got 3rd. All was bright and rosey.

It was the last meet for Seniors, so Daniel and all of the other seniors were recognized before the meet.

With his "Senior Flower", which he gave to me.

Before this meet, Daniel had not had to go to school for several days because he was exempt from exams. He had plenty of time to rest.

Then he began the new semester. He has a grueling schedule this semester and has spent many hours doing homework. His year round swim team has also increased his weight training from 2 days per week to 3. So going into the regionals championship today, he was less than refreshed, and that translated in his swims.

When the waves settled and the hands touched the timing pads, Daniel had placed 3rd. Third behind, as you might guess, the not-so-good friend. His look on the podium spoke volumes.

He was not a happy camper. On the positive side, he did qualify to swim both events at State Champs next week. The top 8 finishers in regionals go to states. He has another shot at it. But, it still stings.

What a great lesson to learn! When things don't go the way you want, you have to look for ways to change in order to achieve your goals and keep on plugging. What next week holds, only the Lord knows, but I know that Daniel will do everything in his power to have a different outcome next week!

Win, lose or draw, I'm proud of my boy. He will learn from this little set back and be a better person because of it.