I never learned to swim.It wasnt without trying,but maybe lack of practise after training.I distinctly remember taking the final swim test in the second series of swim classes.It was time to tread water in the deep end of the pool.I squeezed tightly to the side of the pool until the instructor gave me the "Go!"And I went...straight down.No amount of fluttering or kicking or near seizure like movements could keep my tiny head above water for more than a second or two.But in one of those brief seconds when I was able to breathe air and not h2o I was able to grasp the side of the pool and pull myself up."Good job!You passed!" was the instructors response to my near death experience.And I probably didnt go near water for several more years.But my lack of flotation knowledge hasnt stopped me.Ive been on a handful of guided whitewater trips through class 4 rapids and most recently a harrowing canoe trip down a frigid river with my also non-floating brother.I think we made it less than two miles before the loss of property and safe body tempurature convinced us to portage our canoe by truck to meet the rest of our party downriver.
Why do I mention this?What is the point of this admission of lack of water bourne ability? I liken it to many things we DONT do in life.If I had decided to never venture into the water because my breast stroke was not in good form(or my doggy paddle was ineffective)I would have missed out on some seriously great adventure.In fact,if I had been a decent swimmer it would have taken from the experience of trying.So many of lifes adventures would not be adventures at all if we had known every variable,every turn or every tiger in the grass.One of my newfound favorite authors (N.D. Wilson,so credit goes where it is due) encourages us to embrace the calloused hands that come with the hard work of adventure,with living the life given us by our Author.Dont sit on the sidelines just because you dont know how to throw the ball.Any body can tackle-its like involving someone in one madcap tumble.
What is worthy of adventure?What crazyness should we jump into with both feet?For me,for those of us that believe in our Creator,it should be serving Him.For those that dont believe,start.You dont have to understand everything perfectly,just start-now!
Christian,there is great reward to serving Christ in faith.We may not know everything,fact is we dont,but discipling others is a great way to grow and grow others in the Faith.Don't wait until you've "arrived" because you never will.Don't wait until you can swim.Jump in the canoe,put on a life jacket and grab a paddle because Baby,we're going places!
Why do I mention this?What is the point of this admission of lack of water bourne ability? I liken it to many things we DONT do in life.If I had decided to never venture into the water because my breast stroke was not in good form(or my doggy paddle was ineffective)I would have missed out on some seriously great adventure.In fact,if I had been a decent swimmer it would have taken from the experience of trying.So many of lifes adventures would not be adventures at all if we had known every variable,every turn or every tiger in the grass.One of my newfound favorite authors (N.D. Wilson,so credit goes where it is due) encourages us to embrace the calloused hands that come with the hard work of adventure,with living the life given us by our Author.Dont sit on the sidelines just because you dont know how to throw the ball.Any body can tackle-its like involving someone in one madcap tumble.
What is worthy of adventure?What crazyness should we jump into with both feet?For me,for those of us that believe in our Creator,it should be serving Him.For those that dont believe,start.You dont have to understand everything perfectly,just start-now!
Christian,there is great reward to serving Christ in faith.We may not know everything,fact is we dont,but discipling others is a great way to grow and grow others in the Faith.Don't wait until you've "arrived" because you never will.Don't wait until you can swim.Jump in the canoe,put on a life jacket and grab a paddle because Baby,we're going places!
