I subscribe to Girlfriends in God. It's a little devotional sent to me every morning via e-mail & sometimes there are some good tidbits I can take with me throughout the day. This story hit home a little when I read it. We all need a little cheering on.
It was taken from Extraordinary Moments with God by Sharon Jaynes

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:6 NIV)


It was the first swim meet of the year for the newly formed, middle-school aquatic team. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as forty-eight adolescents thought of nothing but victory. Justin was among the bunch and was swimming the five-hundred-yard freestyle for the first time in his life.

Toward the end of the race, everyone had finished...except for Justin. He stole breaths as his hands slapped against the water to push it aside and propel his thin body forward. The freckle-faced youth appeared he would go under at any moment, but something kept pushing him onward. The race was won eight minutes ago, but Justin continued to swim.

One teammate, inspired by his brave friend, went to the side of the pool and walked the lane as Justin pressed on. "Come on, Justin, you can do it! Keep going! Don't give up!" He was joined by another, then another, until the entire team was walking the length of the pool, rooting for and encouraging their fellow swimmer to finish the race. Soon the opposing team saw what was happening and they joined in the chant. A chill ran through the room as the once concerned parents rose to their feet cheering, shouting, and praying. The room pulsated with energy and excitement as teammates and opponents pumped courage into one small swimmer.

Twelve long minutes after the starting whistle had blown, an exhausted, but smiling Justin swam his final lap and struggled to pull himself out of the pool. The crowd had applauded the first swimmer as he crossed the finish line in first place, but they gave Justin the greater cheer for simply finishing the race.