The two-way street

My all-time favorite Beatles song, Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight ends with the words "And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love, you make". Inherently, I always knew that you get what you put into this world, and most importantly, other people. You don't go through life doing for others expecting something in return, you just figure out somewhere along the way that it ain't all about you, and that the glory and euphoria associated with individual pursuits is fleeting. I remember crossing the finish line of my first Ironman (Florida, Nov 1999), thinking how cool it was to have accomplished a dream. I didn't think I could top that experience - but last year, after helping train two of my best friends over six months, we spent 12 hours together in 95 degree heat at Ironman Louisville and I crossed the finish line of an Ironman for the 2nd time - this time hand-in-hand with my two buddies with whom I had helped realize a life-dream. There was no comparison to my solo effort. Simply put, the thrill of helping two friends become Ironmen FAR outweighed any personal satisfaction derived from my 1999 effort. Fast forward to today, as I prepare myself mentally and physically for the ITU Aquathon World Championships, I recognize the pursuit is individual but have been reminded as this process plays out that the investments we make in others always seem to find their way back around to us. I've been both blown away and humbled with the outpouring of love and support shown in so many ways by so many people. Admittedly, I struggle with accepting any kind of return - it's something I'm learning to deal with, as it just doesn't come naturally to me. I feel as if accepting support of any kind is a personal violation of my life's purpose (which I've shared on this site before). When you know it's not about you, you defer, deflect, and determine to ensure it's a one-way street outbound. But I do get it now....and I'll ask folks to bear with me as I deal with getting more comfortable handling the inbound support. "Golden Slumbers/Carry that Weight" was a difficult song written during a difficult time for The Beatles, but it closes with an upbeat reminder for all of us about love....and remember, Love leaves a Legacy. How you treat people in this life, not your wealth or your personal accomplishments, will become the most enduring impact you can leave on this earth. I'm just glad to have been blessed with a reminder of this truism while I'm still here.....BELIEVE.

PHIL 4:13