This one’s going to date me.
But I once saw a Saturday Night Live bit with Martin Short.
Short played the part of a synchronized swimmer who was being interviewed about his effort to get men’s synchronized swimming recognized as an olympic sport.
Throughout the interview Short repeatedly mentions what he thinks is an incredibly interesting irony: “I’m not a strong swimmer.” Because nobody cares about synchronized swimming, the fact that Short’s character think’s the irony worth telling is funny. From a comedic standpoint it is brilliant. And, for my wife, Cindy, and I it has become a running inside joke.
For example, when I’m driving with Cindy and do something that reveals my lack of situational awareness on the road, before she can say anything I’ll say, “I’m not a strong swimmer.” She gets that I’m saying, “I know you think I should be good at this, but as ironic and unbelievable as it may seem, I’m not.”
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself saying “I’m not a strong swimmer” to Cindy more often. Its not that I’m a worse swimmer than I was when I was younger; I’m just more willing to admit it now. I don’t feel like I’m giving up anything by admitting it. And I think that’s a good sign. I’m hoping it’s a sign of more humility.
Today, I’m more interested in becoming like Jesus. I’m more interested in my person than my performance. I think that’s a good thing.
And that’s what synchronized swimming has to do with sanctification. GS