I love the book we read this month, The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown in our neighborhood book group. It
was about a young man, Joe Rantz, who was abandoned by his family at
age 15, and made his way through some very challenging years in the
depression in the 1930's. Working several heavy work jobs, he put
himself into a university and landed a spot on Washington's rowing
team. These teams worked hard several hours a day in midwinter, snow,
ice, and cold temperatures. Eventually this man together with eight
other men made their way to the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Most of these men came from logging camps and dairy farms doing heavy physical
labor to support their schooling. The descriptions
of their races were so interesting. When they rowed together in perfect
harmony, synchronized, they said it was as if their boat was flying.
They developed a unique capacity to row with a slower rate but a deeper power stroke that conserved energy. They
repeatedly came from behind to win at the finish
line in national races against the elite schools of the East and Oxford. In the critical race at the 1936 Berlin
Olympics they started last. With one sick man at the oars, and given
the worst lane to compete in, the odds were against them. In spite of these overwhelming
challenges, any one of which could have cost them the race, they came
from behind to a stunningly, beautiful, inspiring first place win.
At one earlier point, when the Olympic rowers had not been determined, one of the coaches told Joe, that he rowed unto himself. He needed to be aware of the other boys and work in sync with them. This changed everything for Joe. He started paying attention to the other men, and their strokes and their rhythm at practice. He began to think less of himself and more of the team. The increased unity soon became apparent. Soon these men developed a deep trust and respect for each other. They referred to this powerful phenomenon of trusting each other completely to do their part and the powerful results of this rare unity, "finding their swing."
"Swing" in the community is especially moving. The trust and respect for each other coupled with a deep desire to help the youth in our area was evident in a recent fundraising spaghetti dinner with an auction. It was incredible to witness the adults and youth donate baked goods, craft items and bigger ticket items, including a bbq, blendtec, a will, overnight stay at a cabin. etc. It was evident that caring people made sure that no item went without a bid and my neighbors clearly saw themselves in a powerful role to support the youth of the area. I was deeply touched as we found "our swing" that night and it was stunningly beautiful.
The ultimate "swing" is receiving God's love and extending it to others. Jesus taught a sacred "swing" in John 5:19:
The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.Their unity is a sacred model that the Savior pleaded for us to follow in John 17:21:
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:When our greatest desire is to love and serve God, perhaps we can begin to experience in the smallest part this rare and divine unity. If we have lost our way, or a loved one has lost their way, when relationships became challenging, we must begin with loving God. In fact any and every problem could begin to find its solution in the first and greatest commandment to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (Matthew 22:37)
Our "swing" or unity with Him is the North Star that can then guide us back to be instruments in His hands to create unity, healing and "swing" in our family, neighborhood and national boats.
