jumping in

I jumped into the lake this morning. Jump is a stretch, but I definitely swam across the lake which was a thrill. As I ran the 10 minutes to the water’s edge, I thought about the plunge. I’ve never put more than my feet into this lake and all of a sudden I got a little nervous. I have seen families fishing from the dock so what if a big fish came up to nibble on my toes or elbow? What if I got tired in the middle? It was a strange feeling since I’m a pretty confident swimmer.
So I made my way down the rocky beach, took off my shoes, commenced to wade in, and then dive under the water. I knew the water was a pleasant 70 degrees from a previous toe-dipping trip to the lake last week and wasn’t disappointed this morning. That is until I got about a quarter of the way from the shore. My breast stroke took my arm to a cold current that shook my whole body. The images of the Loch Ness Monster came back to mind and my heart rate sky rocketed. My HR was faster after 40 meters in the water than 3 miles on ground.
What else could I do but give myself a little pep talk?
Be calm.
Cool down.
Collect yourself.
Keep moving.
How strange it was to be caught off guard by that which was just under the surface…the 45 degree water.

As I mentioned yesterday, the future and unknown capabilities of all that is to come with the choir has got my heart pumping a little. And yet again, this morning’s swim reminded me that a just a little lower than I can see is more refreshing and life giving, swimming-enabling stuff. The stuff that makes the lake exist and be so enticing. The stuff that makes the choir and the theatre tour extra thrilling. It’s hidden but good and necessary regardless of my knowledge of it or acknowledgment. The potential for disaster exists in every big project, the Loch Ness Monster could have moved, but success and growth often triumphs.

I still caught my breath every once in awhile from the current and the little fish swimming into me (not a threat or a monster). I suspect the same will occur even as I move forward in tour life with confidence: calm, cool and collected. But I will hop out on the other side grateful for the swim.