Feeling God’s Pleasure
God made me fast. When I run, I feel his pleasure.
Eric Liddell, Olympic Gold Champion (1924)
I admire Eric Liddell for his faith, his perseverance in achieving his goals, and for saying that he felt God’s pleasure when he ran. Long ago, I thought God was out there somewhere. I had to be a ‘good girl’ to earn God’s love. And the only place to experience God is at church or bible study. Yes, I do experience God’s pleasure at church and other times, too. Especially when I swim.
When I swim, I feel God’s pleasure. Gliding through the water brings me much joy. While swimming in the pool, I often receive insight and wisdom. When the sun peeks out from the clouds, I feel the warmth on my back. It’s as if God lovingly says, “Hello, I am here.” That makes me feel cherished.
The photo on the next page is the Neptune pool at Hearst Castle. William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951) was a wealthy newspaper publisher who built his castle in San Simeon, California. I have visited there several times in my life, always drooling over that outdoor pool. It was huge, oval-shaped, about 35 yards long and 20 yards wide, beautifully designed with blue and black tiles. Water flowed from a fountain made of marble into an alcove of the pool containing three huge marble statues. Majestic white marble columns surround the pool, giving it a Roman-era feel.
Oh, how I wish I could jump in!
In 2019, My husband happened to see on the internet that the non-profit Hearst Castle Foundation was raising money to help with renovations and provide educational tours for underprivileged children. The pool had been closed for five years as it underwent restoration. Now they were selling tickets for forty people to take a swim.
I was so excited! I felt like a little kid walking into Disneyland for the first time. After the safety presentation, I was the first one to jump in. As I glided through the water, I felt exhilarated, like a “high” without drugs. The water was crystal clear, all natural, with no chlorine. Hearst had figured out a way to filter the water over rocks, like river water that cleanses itself in the wild. Like Cinderella going to the ball, I felt giddy with joy, except my gown was a bathing suit. My heart was filled with gratitude that a lifelong dream came true.
Although I love swimming in a pool, what I love even more is swimming in the ocean. Last year I bought a full-length wetsuit, which has extended my swimming here in San Diego. I can swim in 63 degree water now, although it is cold.
Did you know that about 75% of the ocean is undiscovered?
It reminds me there is so much about God that is a mystery, unknown. And yet, I do feel his pleasure in the ocean that he created. It is like being immersed in his vast love for me. This I know.
Where do you experience God’s pleasure?
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