Wild Swimming

Louise Harris

Much to the incredulousness of friends and family, I have taken up wild swimming this year.

It started because a dear friend was widowed and I had said to myself, whatever she needs and whatever she wants to do I will be alongside her. When I recklessly said this, I never expected to be plunging myself into a cold lake! It’s so unlike me to take up an activity like this but, once I tried it, I was hooked.

After the initial shock of cold, the body adjusts and the feeling of freedom and refreshment is amazing. Peacefully swimming along in nature, my mind empties of its worries, hope is renewed and I begin to let go of the things that don’t really matter.

It has really given me a physical demonstration of how utterly refreshing it is to experience the living waters of Jesus.

Whoever believes in me… from their innermost being will flow rivers of living water.
John 7: 38

This living water is unearned and undeserved, fresher than the purest of springs, cleansing and reviving.

This past week has been a challenging one, work demands suddenly increased and I started to feel overwhelmed and somewhat brain dead.

It’s so good to be reminded that we have streams of living water deep within us - it’s God’s reassuring presence which puts things in perspective, and the power of the Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen. I remember that He’s got this and He’s got me.

The amazing thing after a cold swim is that, as the body warms up again, there is a wonderful sense of well-being and peace - all is right with the world again, at least for a while, and I can carry on with a more positive outlook.

I am reminded that when I pass through the waters, He will be with me, and they will not sweep over me (Isaiah 43: 2). That’s a promise, and God always keeps His promises.

So I will carry on wild swimming and holding on to my Heavenly Father, who will continue to hold me up through the choppy waters of life.