Swimming in the Baby Pool
I used to be a swimmer for most of my life. Since I was a youngster. I was swimming. Even before I was out of diapers, my mom would say. So if you look at a big pool there are typically two ends. Shallow and deep. The baby pool is the peak of shallow ends right? Now it pretty much comes up to my shins or knees. But the deep end. That requires treading water. That requires a little more risk right? Because you suddenly have to exert more energy to keep yourself above water, breathing. Each breath becomes a little tougher because it requires a little more of your whole self to experience life’s breaths.
I’ve recently been having some tough conversations where I’m discovering, in a new light, that I go swimming in the baby pool far more than I dive into the deep end. And it’s harmed things. Think about it. What happens in deep water? We gotta put our whole body to use right? Treading. Just that thought doesn’t sound very appealing. That word itself is like in the same category as gasping, pleaing, and needing. Egh! No thanks.
The baby pool, you can lift your legs and really run through the baby wakes. You’ve got total control in the shallow end. Maybe you slip up a few times, the floor of the pool does get slick sometimes. You’re embarassed but you can get up and redeem yourself. Regardless the deep end demands more of your life.
I’ve often viewed myself as one who is the master of the deep end. But, I don’t really like getting tired. And treading makes me real tired and exhausted. It’s not fun. What about you? Is it something you look forward to? The reality is you can connect with God in the baby pool. You can connect with other people there too. And have a great time. And that’s valuable.
However, when you’re chillen, alone in the deep end, you might become much more aware of your need for another and your weakness begins to show and vulnerability takes place.Perhaps you discover too a greater need for God. And maybe a need for someone who can join you through that vulnerable state. Vulnerable because you are putting to use much more of your whole self. Where there are greater demands on your existence and sometimes it really gets tough and it hurts and aches and you might have a cramp later. But to share in that with another… is strength.
Which prepares you better for the next day? Which prepares you better for what might be encountered next week? Which will ready you more for this kind of life that God provides? Which will help you understand another who is treading themself?
Swimming in the baby pool or treading in the deep end?
Truth is, I’m learing how to tread again. Because I’ve forgotten how.
R
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