The Swimmer

In the story, the swimmer, the main character Neddy is swimming across the country. As he is swimming we find out that he pissed off some people along the way but he does not remember. What a convenient memory Neddy has? We see him start to consume excessive amounts of alcohol. We come to find out that even his family is gone and he cannot remember why. The pools become empty, and Neddy reaches the cold hard reality of his actions.

I see that Neddy is swimming away from his problems by diving into alcohol. I see this trait is common among alcoholics, the alcoholism is a mere symptom of the real problem. People are always running from something.

Some people become work workaholics and they neglect their families and friends.

Some people try to eat their problems away.

Or sometimes they blame other people for their problems and misfortunes.

Some people might think, "If I just moved far away than my problems would be gone. "

I have even met performers that believe, "If I just become famous then everyone will like me."
What difference does it make if the whole world likes you, but you don't like yourself, and have lost your self respect along the way. I am reminded of (Luke 9:25) What profit is there in gaining the whole world when it means forfeiting one's self?"

I've seen so many people like Neddy that just waste their lives. There is no greater shame, then seeing a life wasted and talent wasted. Every breath is such a gift. King David said, "Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are. Help them to spend them as we should" (Psalms 90:12)