Athletic Influencers - AIA dinner

It's really late - especially for me - and another long but good day of officiating tomorrow - but I had to write a little before closing things down for the night. I had the privilege of spending some time with a group of former Olympians, a coach, a swimmer, some officials and an AIA staff member all of whom are Christ-followers. There are others. These are the ones who made it this year. We're praying that in the next 10 years we can see a huge turnout for some breakfast or gathering of some sort as AIA does in other sports. But swimmers are weird!

It was not only fun to meet some new folks, but renew some relationship with Josh Davis and continue to develop a relationship with Scott Mottice with AIA. Scott and I were talking in the arena before heading to dinner about the role AIA could play with officials. "AIA works with athletes," I said, "so we're not in the right category." Scott's reply is something I'll remember: "No, we work with athletic influencers."

Influencing others for Christ. That's it. That's what we're called to do. Josh said it this way at dinner: "Build a bridge that can hold up the truth." (I hope I got that right) Live life in such a way that when the opportunity arises, you can be a bridge to Christ. Live well. Live truthfully. Live as a servant.


1 Peter 2:12 - "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."


I'm interested to see where this relationship might lead. There are boundaries and barriers for interaction between officials and swimmers. We can never be seen as showing favoritism. Coaches and officials interact a bit more. Officials spend lots of time together.


A swimming official mentor reminds me constantly: "Be a quiet presence. Let your work speak for you." That's it. No need to be pushy. No need to be separate. Remember, holy doesn't mean distant but rather distinct. Influence happens up close, through serving, through living a life that honors Jesus. Years ago AIA taught me that that means giving 100% all the time, every time - at the time it was in the water, now it's officiating the deck. That's honoring Jesus with the talent, passion and gifts He's given. Anything less is like burying a treasure in the ground rendering it useless to the Lord.


I'll work on posting some photos tomorrow taken from the 6th floor of the arena, looking down over the pool. A great place to watch the meet tonight. Here's one of many.