Sun Shine on the water

I've decided that I will try to write every time that I swim (that is, as long as I have access to my computer). I'm a recovering perfectionist so I don't want to box myself into too tight a corner. I do want to be writing more, and today has been a good day for writing, and doing things that just needed to get done (the dust bunnies were threatening to take over the world, just like Pinky and the Brain, and almost succeeding!). Today was a busy day, but I was able (and grateful) to get into the pool for the morning swim. The sun was shining beautifully through the windows (the Sava Pool re-d0 has a really wonderful design), so as I was swimming, the sunlight was shimmering on the water, warming it, refracting the light in beautiful patterns in the ripples and making it extra pleasant, almost an artistic experience to be there. The pool was crowded for the morning swim, I suppose because it is so much easier to get into a bathing suit and into the water when it is sunny and beautiful than when it is foggy and cold (the usual here in San Francisco).

I am amazed at some of the older women I swim with. I am one of the "kids" in comparison--many of them are in their 70's and 80's, but here they come, a few of them as many as five days a week to swim. They are beautiful and totally without a hint of self consciousness regarding their bodies.

"My arthritis doesn't hurt so much when I move," says one. "I like the way I feel when I am done with my swim--it fills me with energy," says another. The voices are full of cheer as they enter the locker room and call out their greetings, and as the answers come back. "Good morning, ladies!" "Hey, sweetie, great to see you here today!" There is a wonderful energy of community, and shared anticipation that fills the locker room. No one cares what anyone looks like and that is tremendously liberating. They do notice new bathing suits, and make the appropriate comments of admiration, but there's a remarkable lack of cattiness that I find utterly refreshing. The first time I came to the pool, I was amazed at how "at ease" they all seemed to be in their bodies. No matter what their shape or size, whether tall and slender or sort and squat, they are beautiful women and I have come to admire them so much. They are helping me "get over" myself, and I am grateful. When I think of not going to the pool, I think of these women who are so eager to swim, and tell myself, "you have no excuse, girlfriend!"

How beautiful they all look, with their bathing caps on, their cute little swim shoes, and glowing smiles on their faces. One lady who must be in her late 60's had on a pretty wrap for her hair, a la Betty Grable. She looks like an old school movie star, in her leopard print bathing suit. She elegantly makes her way to the side of the pool, grabs a kick board, and launches into the water. There are some older gentlemen as well who swim, too. Some of them work hard to energetically swim as many laps as they can. Others make no bones about the fact that their real reason to be at the pool is to socialize with their friends (and possibly girl-watch?).

There is one man who is a very serious swimmer, who reminds me of my friend Stephen--at least what I imagine Stephen might look like in 20 years or so. He's very fit, and muscular, and is an incredible athlete, even though he's got to be at least 70 if he's a day. You'd never know how old he was if you could watch him swim (and if you didn't see the grooved laugh lines on his face). He's a dynamo! This gentleman has the same facial shape as my friend and when he smiles, he exudes kindness that seems heartfelt and genuine. When I see him, the strong resemblance makes me sad, momentarily, but I push away the feeling. This gentleman has seen me swimming for months now, and has been kind enough to try to encourage me, inquiring as to how many laps I'm doing. He loves swimming and loves to encourage those who are just starting out.

There's a common grace all of us are sharing, the kind of benevolence that God pours out where "His mercies are over all His works." It's a gorgeous day, and unseasonably warm and beautiful. What a gift! I'm especially recognizing this today and praying for blessing on these dear folks.