Swimming in The Spirit

Today is September 7, a little over a month ago I was introduced to the concept of swimming in The Spirit. This was a children's sermon about how the Holy Spirit is all around you.  I have done a lot of "swimming" lately.

First, and most literal, I have been swimming in an actual pool.  A few weeks ago at a local Farmer's Market, a girl convinced me that all I had to do was show up at a nearby pool, and I could swim.  So I showed up, with only a swimming suit and a towel.  My only knowledge of swimming competitively is from watching the Olympics.  The coach got me set up with some goggles and a swim cap and taught me how to actually swim freestyle.  Swimming in a pool is good for my soul, it is good for my muscles, and it reminds me to continue to swim, in The Spirit.

Next I have been swimming in garbage.  Don't worry not literally, but if you know my enthusiasm for dumps, you might think this has been something I enjoyed.  I did, but for a different reason.  At my job there is an intentional multifaith living community, for students at the University of California Davis.   This past weekend was a move out and move in weekend, so the dumpster was completely over flowing.  So bravely I vested myself in garbage attire and went to sort out the garbage and the recycling. While I was doing this, someone noticed me and asked to help, so he went to work breaking down boxes for the recycling folks to pick up.  As I was helping him break down the boxes I realized that even though we had two radically different faith backgrounds and beliefs we shared two things; an enthusiasm for garbage, and the realization that cardboard boxes are a genius invention.

Finally,  I have been swimming in The Spirit.  I have been going to a new church and signed up to help with Sunday School and Youth group.  I am working thru a devotion.  I have found spiritual "mentors," and I have found time to honor the Lord with my work as a missionary and the community coordinator here in California.

With that all being said, I also really miss my friends and my family in Missouri.  However, just like Dori says in Finding Nemo, "Just keep swimming"  that is what I will do, just keep swimming, in The Spirit.