Friends,
Yesterday, a clergy colleague asked a good question about any helpful new practices we had established since Covid-19.  She shared that she now begins each day listening to an uplifting podcast rather than the morning news, which she finds to be a downer.  I thought about any new practice in this strange time and landed upon how I’ve come to exercise differently.  I used to lap swim a mile each morning at the YMCA (which, of course, is closed) but now with the help of a high-tension swim tether and belt, I swim in place in the pool of our new Scottsdale house.

 
I’ve decided that I like this new swim workout even better than laps.  Since I never learned to summersault at the end of each length to turn around, I lost momentum and time each time I got to the end of the lane.  Not only that, but I ended up chatting with the other swimmers a lot, which interrupted my cardio.  Sometimes they annoyed me when they would crowd the lanes.  Sure I miss the social aspect, but I’ve gained a better workout. Swimming in place is better for me because I don’t stop, and the pool is my own, private paradise.

We are doing lots of things in place, thanks to Covid-19.  My daughter started doing crafts. Some of you are perfecting your bread-baking techniques.  Others are walking or hiking early in the morning before it gets hot. Some are sharing photos of previous vacations since no one can travel much.  We humans are adaptable creatures, and stress can cause us to change—sometimes for the better.  One thing I’ve learned: We can trust God to help us create joy and grow where we are planted.  God is in the resurrection business after all!   Here’s a verse for us to meditate on today:  “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.  You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy” (Psalm 30:11).  God has given me joy while swimming in place.  I pray that you can find joy in whatever new practices you have established while sheltering in place.

Peace and Joy to You,

Co-Pastor Sandi