Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

I love swimming. Quite frankly, it is the only exercise I don’t hate.

As a young person, I took every lifesaving/water safety class offered at our local swimming pool leading me to develop this love of the water. I appreciate the physical benefits, and I love the versatility too. With this skill, you can swim for exercise, leisure, cooling down, or to save a life (possibly your own).

During the summer months, I try to swim 50 laps a day. Well … on the sunny days. Sometimes, I even push myself to do more. Most days when swimming, I am moving along, gliding through the water on a mission to complete a workout. When I’m done, I float enjoying the warmth of the sun watching the clouds drift by. However, there are times when I find myself treading water, dog-paddling to keep my head above water, not making much progress.

Life is a lot like swimming. There are moments/weeks when I’m making great gains. Moving forward toward my goals. Then, I find myself treading water. Kicking like crazy under the surface, struggling to keep my head above water. 

As reflected in the scripture above, I discovered when I push myself … one more lap, one more set, 10 more minutes … I become stronger. When I don’t give up on my goal, I feel so much better when I’m done. Then, I can float – bask in the sun. Over time, I reap the benefits of perseverance. 

My advice for you today is – Just keep swimming.

Encountering difficult circumstances – Just keep swimming.

Feeling like giving up – Just keep swimming.

You must keep pushing through the rough waves to reach the calm waters. Don’t become stagnate or get stuck treading water.

Just keep swimming.

Where are you today? Is there something that is good for you that you laid aside? Did you abandon a goal? Do you think that the peace you seek is unattainable? 

No matter where you are in your workout of life – toiling through the laps, floating in the sun, or treading water so you don’t drown … Remember, just keep swimming.

You, too, will reap the reward for not giving up