Musings on Summer Swimming- The Black Line

There are 2 choices when swimming laps at our local pool. One may choose the "lap lane" which is always free of kids, or one may choose to swim in the open part of the pool. The problem with the enclosed lap lane is that there is no black line to follow on the bottom of the pool. This causes one to be constantly bumping into the wall or the rope. So I chose the black line, even though it meant that I had to be searching ahead for kids and willing to stop, say "excuse me" and resume swimming.

One day when I was swimming laps, it occured to me that the black line is a picture of the Holy Spirit in my life. I desparately want to stay on the straight and narrow path that God has foreordained for my life. Sure there are obstacles, things get in my way and try to push me out of God's will. But I just have to pause and then proceed on the black line.

The empty lap lane is sometimes tempting. It appears like it would be so much easier to swim over there without interference. But being off my black line causes me frustration. So I will stay on my black line, even though sometimes the line seems long, narrow, and unvarying. The PROCESS may be tedious, but there is always a great sense of accomplishment at the end of 50 laps.

Are you on the black line today?
( My apologies to A.- who spent her laps in the unmarked lap lane! Hmmm...)