I dive into the ice blue, still blue, deep blue waters, hungry for the peace and tranquillity that awaits. I glide under water then rise in joy, to breathe in the delights of rose and honeysuckle. Today the heavens are sky blue, clear blue, endless blue with wisps of white reflecting the splash of my dive.
Entering the pool, I leave part of me behind. I move effortlessly in the water, arthritic pain banished, left on dry land. As I disrobe, I shed the worries, concerns, regrets and guilt. This is my time for prayer and reflection, time alone save for my creator. Rolling onto my back, I face the heavens about and give praise for the wonders of this world and for life.
Weightless in the water I lap the pool. Length after length I swim, unencumbered by daily cares, cleansed from tiresome thoughts. Praise turns to thanksgiving. My busy mind emptied, now has room to reflect on the good things of life and I give thanks. Reflecting on these blessings leads me to remember that all is not well in this world. Supplication creeps in alongside thanksgiving until it demands an outpouring of prayer, pleading for the pain and grief of my fellow man and our broken world. The God of endless love hears these intercessions and I know ‘All shall be well.’
I marvel how peaceful I feel as I swim my daily mile. The water supports my core and washes me as I circuit the pool. Words from Psalm 51 flow through my mind, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow…. Create in me a new heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Certain of God’s love and forgiveness I emerge from the pool ready to take on the challenges of the day ahead, leaving dancing patterns of light on clear blue waters. Having completed my 100 km swim on Saturday 11 July, I decided to increase my target to 100 miles in the hope of attracting more sponsorship. I have now swum over 88 miles and expect to complete the 100 mile by the end of August. While the Julian Centre has been closed, this has been my way of raising money that can be used to support the development of the Julian Partnership.
If you would like to sponsor my 100 mile swim money can be paid direct to ‘Friends of Julian in three ways:
- PayPal using: shop@friendsofjulian.org
- Emailing the Treasurer for bank details for direct bank transfer: treasurer@julianofnorwich.org
- Cheques made payable to: ‘Friends of Julian’ and sent to the Julian Centre.
Please mark your donation: Sponsored Swim. Thank you.