Tuesday Musing – 08.08.2023
When I was a child, I used to live at the pool during the summer. Well, that was after Kingsley got a pool (before that, all our swimming was done at the sandpit…what an alluring name!). I grew up in a small town, so even if the pool was all the way on the other side of town, walking and biking there and home were very doable (despite my complaining). I remember meeting my friends at the pool day after day, playing basketball in the pool, dreaming of how I’d become an Olympic swimmer one day, playing “Copycat” off of the diving boards. I loved the pool, and I loved to swim.
Now that I have a six-year-old, I long for him to have the same love of swimming, the joy of being in the water that I had as a child (and honestly still have an an adult). And, little by little he’s getting there. I cannot adequately describe the expression of joy that came across Jabali’s face as he emerged from the water having gone all the way under, getting all of his head thoroughly wet, for the first and then second and third time (and many, many times beyond) as he had his first experience of swimming lessons at the end of July; and again the bliss and pride he shined forth as he retrieved sinking toys after they had dropped down, down, down into the water, no longer fearing that water would enter his nostrils because he had figured out how to hold his breath and to blow bubbles. And, I cannot fully convey the joy I felt in witnessing my beloved little one feeling such joy and pride in his newfound abilities.
And, so it is with great joy and anticipation that I look forward to this coming Sunday, August 13, 2-4pm, when the Kerstens will open their home and their pool for Back-to-School Sunday Funday. While I certainly hope and to see many of you all and will deeply enjoy connecting in this informal, social setting, I have to be honest, I will be overjoyed to witness Jabali enter the pool once again for the first time since he finished swimming lessons.
I hope to see you there! Oh, and remember to let me know by Thursday, August 10, if you plan to come.
Jessica
Rev. Jessica Petersen-Mutai, Senior Minister
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Email: revpetersenmutai@firstuc.org
Cell: 812-727-4415
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