I awoke on my day off. “I’ll go for a swim,” I thought to myself.

Gathered the stuff together–swim suit, shampoo, conditioner, towel….  Forgot the goggles.

Started the drive to the big Y–the one with the pool. “Long drive,” I thought;  yet it’s only 6 miles.

How long has it been since I’ve done this?  6 months?  more?  Used to go several times a week for a few years.

I am out of the pool routine. The card reader at the door is new. The people were different. Changed my clothes. Took a shower. Found a place in the pool.  Everything seemed difficult and unfamiliar even as it wasn’t.  “Why I am here?” I grumbled to myself.

The water stung my eyes.  Swimming works different muscles.  I am not a strong swimmer.  “Why did I come?”

Eventually the men with cognitive impairments in the pool gave way to the serious athletes. The pool began to churn with splashing and tidal waves.  “Why I am here?” I wondered as the waves splashed over me.

The water held me up. It felt good to move. The sauna was great.

I reversed the process. Showered. Dressed. Wrung out wet suit. Collected belongings. Drove home.

I felt good. Why did I wait so long?  I forgot how wonderful a swim can feel.  Not just while I was in the pool but for the rest of the day.

I was out of the habit and it was hard to get myself there; it felt good once I did.

Is this what happens when people get out of the habit of coming to church?  Is it so very hard to get back in the habit and return–even when it feels so good?

Invite a friend back to church.  It’s easier that way.