Aqua Jogging

Beloved:

    Watching me swim laps, I always assumed the YMCA lifeguards exchange knowing looks above me, noting me as person most likely to drown on our watch.  But not since I discovered aqua jogging.  My favorite line from the attached article is the first one, Water running: it's not just for the old and injured anymore..  Truth be told, I don’t see any super athletes aqua jogging.  Mostly it’s us mature women in our special aqua jogging lane burning up the distance and calories, the life guards only glancing our way..  

      Ah, exercise.  How I wish I loved it.  How I wish I craved sweating away on the recumbent bike like I crave reading, sewing, knitting.  All worthy endeavors, great for my brain.  But for my heart and lungs, bones and joints, not so much.  I need them all strong and healthy, even more as I enter my golden decades.

     So to the Y I go more days than not; biking, rowing, aqua jogging.  I don’t love the exercise but I crave the energy and the calmer mind I carry away from that hour. It takes time, of course, but gives time back as well, which I can’t explain but know is true.   I also leave feeling kinder toward this almost fifty year old body.  These hours are not easy for her but she does her best.  She certainly doesn’t deserve the criticism I usually cast upon her.  

       Like it or not, we are embodied creatures.  God designed us just this way and regarded this design as good.  Caring for the body is a spiritual act of gratitude to God and partnership in creation.  I pray this beautiful day offers you a chance to be active and grateful for the body and the life you share in God.  peace & prayers, pastor annette