swim. and fly

Yesterday was my first time in the pool in training for the triathlon. I didn't have any set goal in mind (though I was praying I could make it at least four lengths without collapsing in exhaustion). It was more of an experiment to see just how far I could go.

I felt nauseous in the morning before heading to the pool, and remember asking myself why I would be feeling that way (and knowing it wasn't "morning sickness"). Reflecting back, I think I was more nervous about this endeavor than I really cared to think about.

To my surprise and delight, it went much better than I anticipated. Maybe doing some weight lifting for several months now helped along with my recent return to running. Maybe lifting and chasing around children for almost eight years contributed. But I suspect it has more to do with the kindness of our God. He is merciful.

Since I'm not officially training yet - I'm using the 12-week plan that you can find here - I still have a couple more weeks of "playing" before the hard work really begins.

And on a completely different element...watching the eagle parents in Decorah, Iowa, is completely humbling. As I type this, one of the bedraggled parents is sitting on the nest, protecting its three babies from an onslaught of wind and snow (yesterday, it was raining). I am in awe of the sacrifice these avian parents needs to make to protect their young. Perhaps that is why God is likened to an eagle or why Jesus longs to be a "hen gathering her chicks." How awesome is our God is watches over and protects us, taking the brunt of the storm, watching for predators, feeding us. Thank you, Lord.