Swim Buddies

In underwater SEAL training, SEALS are partnered with a “swim buddy” on long swims. In fact, Admiral McRaven explained they were physically tied to a partner during these swims.  So, success or failure was determined by the buddies tied together, not the individual.  At the end of a swim, if you failed to meet certain requirements, both buddies suffered the consequences—The Circus (hundreds of flutter kicks, push ups, pull ups, sit ups, etc).  The Circus was two hours of additional calisthenics-after your training.  Not only was this punishment difficult to endure due to the physical exhaustion, it was mentally tough knowing you had your “normal” training the following day after completing The Circus.

As Admiral McRaven wrote in his book “Make Your Bed”, The Circus was a cycle of failure that caused many students to quit training.  However, in the case of Admiral McRaven and his buddy, the Circus made them stronger, not weaker.  The final open swim training was a 5 mile swim in the very cold ocean.  At the end, Admiral McRaven and his buddy made it back to the beach. An instructor met them and said “You have once again embarrassed your class.”  Thinking they were way behind the rest of the group, the Instructor then said “You have made all of your teammates look bad.”  What he then realized was him and his partner came in first.  Enduring The Circus paid off and made them stronger.

Our swim buddy is each member on our crew.  We want the best individual performance as possible.  But, the reality is when one member of the crew suffers, we all suffer.  Just as Admiral McRaven and his buddy did, we have to let The Circus of evaluation, assignments, grades, outside “noise” make the crew stronger.  How much stronger can our crews be if we learn and correct weekly?

Isaiah 40: 31:  “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Rarely do we have instant solutions to the things we face. In Isaiah 40: 31, God promises if we will slow down and wait for Him, in quiet confidence, He will strengthen us. When we face discouragement or difficult times, slow down, keep fighting, pray and listen to hear God’s plan and soar!

As Admiral McRaven states……..

“Don’t be afraid of The Circus”