| This last season was really a thrill to me. Not because of the performance, but because of the lessons I've learned spiritually.
For some reason, something clicked in the middle of the summer and I just realized every time I swim, it needs to be worship. And if I worship God while I'm swimming, the swim will take care of itself and the results will come. That shift in focus and attitude is the key to why where was an improvement in my swimming.
I never lost the faith, but I know at times I wasn't giving my whole life to Him, I was doing my own thing. I think the turning point to be honest was right at the Olympics. The night of the 200 breaststroke, which I won, I was lying in bed and I couldn't understand why God had blessed me with everything. A feeling came over me, a realization that He has a plan. I could choose to do my own thing or I could submit to Him and it'll be much better.
I always have the attitude that I want to get done with swimming and go into the ministry now. But He's made it really clear, this is my ministry, so I think my attitude is always looking at the people around me. Wherever we are in life, we need to be ambassadors for Christ to the people.
I think your relationship with the Lord is directly related in the way to the amount of prayer time you have. It shouldn't be a chore. If I was going to get to know you, I would spend more time with you. Praying is the way we spend time with the Lord and get to know what He wants to say to us.
I feel that everything I have is God's anyway. I don't always understand why He's allowed me to be blessed financially, but I feel I'm just the steward, the middle man. The money doesn't really belong to me. I've got to be responsible and obedient in channeling it. But it's meant for His kingdom.
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