I’ve been told “timing” is the best seat in the house. Those words are truth.

My daughter is a swimmer, a sport I knew nothing about three years ago. This is the first season where I feel like I know the sport. I have knowledge of events, strokes, turns, suit brands, goggle styles, how to keep time, scoring (sort of), starts, etc.

But there is so much more.

Last night I sat behind the starting blocks and ran the stop watch for lane five at the swim meet. Being a timer is an entirely different experience than the view from the stands.

What you can not fully see from the bleachers is the true support the swimmers have for each other. They wish each other good luck, high five at the end of the race, lend a hand for a swimmer to get out of the pool, hug for victories, hug for losses. These ladies support each other across lanes, across schools, across all ages. It’s a beautiful thing to witness in a time where life can feel like choas. Parents you ought to be so proud.

The timing of it all couldn’t have been better for me. I went to the swim meet ready to lift up and support the athletes, when in turn they lifted up me. At the end of the meet I felt excited, not because of the team score or fast swims, but because I was motivated to be a swimmer. (not in the literal sense) I was motivated to be more supportive of the people around me. It doesn’t take much to change someones day, in or out of the pool.

I am thankful for the reminder at the perfect time.