Article July 23, 2007 Issue

SWIMMING FOR OTHERS' HEALTH AND WELFARE

BY DAVID OLSON

For over 50 years, I've been an avid swimmer who approaches the sport with a great sense of joy. For me it's like skimming over the water's surface. Yet so many people I've met reject swimming because they find it boring and difficult. They see no possibility of interacting with others because it's an individual sport. But I always interact with others and rarely feel alone.

I'm always struck by the example Mary Baker Eddy set when she took daily carriage rides. She wasn't just getting recreation and fresh air—there are many accounts showing how she often healed people she encountered along the way. I've thought, Shouldn't that be a model for all of my activities? And isn't Jesus humanity's highest model for responding to those in need? As he walked about Galilee, he was besieged by people who sought him for healing.

We all have the opportunity to transform our daily activities into healing opportunities. As we do, what might once have seemed routine or boring becomes transforming. Also, we cann apply St. Paul's cure for boredom and "pray without ceasing" (I Thess. 5:17). Because we dwell with all other ideas of God in the divine Mind, we're never actually alone.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

SAY GOODBYE TO ALLERGIES