On Trying Not to Drown

Chronicling how poorly I live out my faith (so you can feel better about your efforts)

On Trying Not to Drown

I did something very out of character for me this week.

I took my first swimming lesson.

I grew up in a family that wasn’t a big fan of water. (My dad always joked that he wore a life jacket in the shower.) So I never learned how to swim.

I have always regretted that, feeling like I’m missing a low-impact workout option, or not being able to fully enjoy a beach or pool vacation. So when the Y offered Swim Lessons for Seniors (i.e., people who had lived life but never bothered to learn this basic skill), I signed up.

I feel like taking swimming lessons at age 61 is such an interesting metaphor for life.

Fear Of Losing It

My first lesson wasn’t pretty, but it was exhilarating. It’s such a hoot to voluntarily throw yourself into a situation where you feel completely awkward and unnatural, and see if you can survive it (spoiler alert: I did).

I surprised myself at my willingness to set aside my fears, not of water, but fear of floundering and looking stupid. I’m still reflecting on what changed. When did the desire to learn a new skill become more powerful than the fear of embarrassing myself?

There’s a God lesson, I think, in the power of giving up our fear of losing control in order to fully embrace all that God wants for us. I’m sorry it’s so late in life to be learning that lesson. But I am also grateful that I am still around to learn it!

Maybe once I qualify for the Olympic swim team, I’ll take up sword-swallowing.

Or engaging in friendly conversation with strangers.

Either one feels pretty risky.