Staying Afloat

Our ability to stay afloat while swimming has everything to do with believing and trusting in four scientific laws; buoyancy, gravity, displacement and density.

But, long before I understood any of the laws of science behind swimming, my parents signed me up for swimming lessons. Even though we lived in the city, even though the bodies of water in Nebraska were nothing more than little man made lakes dotting the landscape, learning to swim was not an option. Like going to church on Sundays, swimming lessons were a non-negotiable  requirement. 

I took lessons long enough to earn the junior life savings certificate. This ensured my parents that if and when I ever visited one of those little man made lakes, I wouldn’t drown.

Then I grew up, moved away from home and though I knew how to swim, I was not interested in swimming until I saw my need to swim.

 Somewhere in my fourth decade of life, I signed up for a sprint triathlon that included a ⅓ mile swim, 12 mile bike ride and 3 mile run. I was confident that I could easily ride my bike for 12 miles and run 3 miles, but swimming ⅓ mile in open water was my greatest challenge. I hadn’t dipped my toe, swum any serious strokes or distance for years. 

Consequently, since I committed to the triathlon, I committed to retraining myself as a swimmer. I hauled myself to our local health club, donned my bathing suit, goggles and cap and jumped into the water three days a week.

Compared to those other swimmers, my strokes were clumsy, my breathing labored, and my doubts threatened to drown me. 

But the water did not care. Water is all inclusive. Water does not give preference to beginners over intermediate or advanced swimmers. The scientific laws of staying afloat apply to every body that jumps into the water. Buoyancy, gravity, and density will help a body not to sink while displacement gives the body its space and place in the water. 

Why Bother?

Why bother comparing our faith with staying afloat? Somewhere in my second decade of life I discovered my need, took a step of faith and experienced  the all inclusiveness of God. It didn’t matter that I’d not darkened the doorway of any church for quite some time. It didn’t matter that I was awkward, clumsy and very much just beginning. It only mattered that when I saw my need, I took a step.

P.S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who, like me, know they need to seek peace, but are not quite sure where to begin. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.