Swimming is a learned behavior.  While it is true that scientists say we naturally swim; yet out of fear of drowning, most parents do not toss their babies into the deep end of a pool immediately after birth, into the water “hoping” their little ones can swim.  When it comes to what’s so important in life, we do not take a “sink or swim” attitude.   Instead, when our babies grow to become toddlers, we sign them up for swimming lessons.  That’s where I found myself last year, on a beautiful summer afternoon—attending a daily swimming lesson with my niece and her precious little girl, Clementine, who listened well to the instructor’s voice and performed all the necessary commands given.  It was a one-on-one lesson.  It was a daily practice. It was something Clementine “learned” to do. Even though she was just two years of age, Clementine was focused because she trusted her parents’ guidance, she trusted her teacher’s instruction, and she had no reason to fear that she might drown.
Why?
Because Clementine did not know to fear water.  Because Clementine knew to trust her teacher. & Because Clementine was taught to swim WITHIN the water and to listen TO her teacher’s voice.

We are as close to God as we want to be.

Today, let’s ask ourselves some deep-reaching questions.

How busy are we today?
How crazy long is our calendar?
What demands our minds and our energy?
What or Who do we arise and think of first (each day)?
How? What?  Who?  Life is created and given to us by God, and as we live throughout our lives, we are continually bombarded with concerns, pleasures, struggles, and distractions.
We are created beings, gifted to our parents for a season, educated on the ways of this world, challenged physically, focused mentally upon what’s most important, and charged emotionally as we walk through life….but where find spiritual direction in our desire to fulfill our spiritual needs?
We are as close to God as we want to be.

My husband cannot swim well; he can swim, but just not well.
I can swim, or at least I learned the proper technique through lessons given to me during my elementary PE class.  My husband did not learn to swim as a child.  He can swim enough (now) to save himself, if he fell in the deep water, but swimming strokes or techniques were not learned as a boy or taught to him during his fifth grade PE class as they were taught to me.
So when my husband was compelled to join the NAVY in 2002 (right after 9-11), he had to learn to swim in order to pass basic training.  I admire many things about my husband, but that he would raise his right hand to pledge to defend his nation when he was already past the normal military age and join the military when he was 35 & almost 36, right before the cut-off age allowed, causes me to admire him even more.
When he joined so late in life, that really impressed me and revealed his heart.  Once my husband raised his right hand and repeated the oath of his commitment, he was given a “ship out” date for his basic training, a date for his rendezvous and his “opportunity to swim” at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center.
It was then, when he knew he needed to learn to swim.  Imagine committing to the NAVY, even when we know we cannot swim well enough to pass the water test. I was totally impressed by his courage and faith that I could teach him to swim.
That’s the moment I entered the scene—-his wife—-“the swim instructor” and the one who had learned to swim so far back in life (in fifth grade). I am so thankful for my Indiana elementary PE class.
For several weeks (after work) we would meet at the local indoor pool for my husband’s daily swimming lesson.  He trusted me to teach him to swim (based upon my ever-so-long-ago swimming instructions).  Day after day after day…..for at least a month, he followed the instructions provided……and he practiced, with one goal in mind……saving his life when faced with the swimming requirements of basic training for the NAVY.

• He listened well & He trusted. & He learned…..
• He followed the instructions & He practiced daily & He passed the test, allowing him to join the NAVY…..

• Following God is NOT following rules and restrictions, but following God is learning to listen to the Master.
• Following God is NOT just a religious practice, but following God is an intimate relationship as we daily trust His leading.
• YES, Truly….Following God is listening to the Master teacher  & following Him & accepting His truth.
• AND YES, Following God is a daily decision, one we must practice every single day.

In the Old Testament, the psalmist (of Psalm 62) knew he needed God.  He realized he needed to draw strength from the solid rock, from the God of his salvation.  Today, may we listen to the psalmist as he gives us as a peace to remember for our daily lives.
“My soul waits in silence for God only;
From Him is my salvation. 
He only is my rock and my salvation. 
My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken” (Psalm 62: 1-2).
And then also….
“My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62: 5-8).

Are we as close to God as we want to be? Once we are HIS, then our walk with Him is truly a learned behavior…day by day by day.