by Richard Gray
Late this summer, I rediscovered a long-lost love. For a while, I had been forcing myself to get up at 5am for indoor cycling classes, and while parts of it were enjoyable, something always felt missing. Then I remembered how much I love lap swimming.
In the past I might not have fully appreciated all it offered, but now, rediscovering it has become a form of meditation, mindfulness, and reflection. There’s a sense of renewal that comes with it. There’s something about the rhythm of swimming that turns it into a time of quiet meditation. In the water, distractions fade away.
It’s helped me let go of anxiety and the habit of thinking too far ahead—something I often have struggled with. Being in the moment, as we say, is what the water allows me to do. It’s also a time when I can be with God—a space for us to connect and reflect.
In our Christian faith, water is a recurring theme, symbolizing renewal and new life, especially in Baptism. Each time I begin a swim session, I’m reminded of what it means to be renewed, both physically and spiritually. It’s a refreshing moment to feel God’s grace and to remember how God’s renewal is always there when we need it.
Although swimming is often a solitary activity, it allows me the space to think about my role in our church community. Getting daily exercise in a form that I really enjoy helps me recharge and renew my energy for serving this amazing St. John’s community that I love.
I’m reminded there are gifts in both solitude and community and there can really be a beautiful balance between the two. I am so glad to have connected again with this rediscovered love.
Have you connected with a rediscovered love recently? Where do you find renewal these days?
