Believe it or not, there was a time in my life I was very athletic. I would play 18 innings of softball, 6 quarters of basketball, and play touch football for hours-TV time outs not included. I just loved to be playing sports. But when it came to any sport involving water, I didn't. Or maybe couldn't was a better description. While some people would float around and tread water while hanging out at the pool, if my feet didn't touch the bottom, I didn't go in it. Some are floaters, I am a sinker. And a pretty fair one at that. I even used to go off the high dive-jump, not dive, but then doggie paddle furiously to the closest side of the pool. I finally did dive off the low dive, via teen peer group encouragement, read taunting forced me into it, but I never could tell for sure how I would enter the water. Sometimes head first, sometimes on my side, and they'd ask "how did you do that?" But mostly on my stomach, which would knock all the breath out of me, and I would sit gasping for air. Swallowing the pool's innards came easy for me, and I never had to quench my thirst after swimming for an hour. And then there were the dives where I went from a bass to a tenor....best forgotten.
I was no better at the beach either. Riptides loved me, seemed once I was in the ocean, the word got out, and no matter where I was, there was one there to greet me. Body surf? I body sank. I could float for awhile when a gentle wave came up, but there again as long as my feet were on the ground, I was ok. And I never quite acquired the taste for sea water that I did for pool water...personal preference, I am sure you have your own. So I am not a beach goer, and my swimming pool experiences for the last 40 years consist of hot tubs, just as long as I can still touch the bottom.
My last brave act of attempting to body surf was with Brennan up in Malibu. Zuma Beach, great waves, great sand, and oh the girls. So I just had to show off. And when a big wave came, and all the locals guys went for it, so did I. I don't remember much of the ride, but I do remember being wrapped in seaweed, laying on the beach in the fetal positions gasping for air. Sea water burns just as much coming up as it does going down. At least I got some cute girl's attention, who asked if I was ok. Unable to talk, I nodded something, before she and her friends went off giggling. And Brennan was afraid I may have lost my car keys, and how would he get home? So...I have adopted the following policy.
One-if you can't put gas in it, I won't ride it. My horseback riding is worse than my swimming, and I never learned to swim. Think of it as my cause for ecology-not messing up natural things. Two-if you can't ride there, I am not interested in going. There are so many places to ride, why fly? Again, riding comes naturally. So why fly, especially over water? I am not afraid to fly, just the thought of all that water, and me. And the seaweed. So for me, give me cold water on a hot day, a hot tub on a cold night, and if I seem to eat a lot when asked to swim, I will honor the old excuse about waiting an hour before getting in the pool. Eat or sink? Hmmm, please pass the chips and salsa.
Water in the Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit. A perfect way to show how to walk in-like Peter did with Jesus, how to be immersed in it, again like Peter did with Jesus, and how to publicly proclaim Jesus-be baptized in it. So when I got baptized, after being saved for a year, it was in El Porvenir, in the mountains north of Santa Fe, at 8900'! I didn't get it, and I don't know if I can explain it now, but something happens when you are under the water. Someone was kind enough to take pictures, and even my countenance was different coming out, than when going under. A thought my Grandpa shared with me once, when I told him about being baptized. "You sure are changed, something happens when you get are under the water." Only one who knew Jesus could make a statement like that. How I wish I could have spent more time with him talking about Jesus. And don't confuse the religious protocol of denominational baptizing of infants-Jesus tells us if we believe with our heart, and confess with our mouth He is Lord, then we are saved. And it is not a condition of salvation-stay away from anyone who insists it is. It is a choice, not a ritual. And even He was baptized by John the Baptist. Not for salvation, but to show us a way to let the Holy Spirit enter our lives. A way to publicly confess Jesus Christ. For no one can say Jesus is Lord without being saved-in the spirit!
If you haven't yet considered being baptized, talk to your pastor. It will change your life, not save you, but show the world you are taking a stand for Jesus. Jump into the pool of Jesus both feet, and watch as He changes your whole life. Whether in a pool, an ocean, or a mountain stream like I did, make Jesus more personal. Get in over your head, and watch as the Holy Spirit changes your life. A choice you make, based on who you say Jesus Christ is.
So don't feel hurt is I don't accept the invitation to your next pool party. Unless it is a baptism! And I can ride my bike to it! Many things I don't know about the Holy Spirit but this I do know-He adds life to those who trust Him! Now if I can just let go of the side of the pool...
Trust God! The best decision you'll ever make. Now, if it turns into Jet skis, that's a different subject. Did I ever tell you about the time in Cancun...now you know why I rather ride.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com