This past Saturday two of my children and I went to our community pool. The pool is not heated during the fall and winter months, making it pretty cold. Fortunately, the spa was. As one would expect, we decided to spend our time in the comforts of the heated water. That is until Emerson, my seven-year-old son, got bored of his water gun and the bland spa. He wanted something more and decided that the cold pool was just what he was looking for.
He first checked the temperature; 50 degrees! He then dipped his toe in and returned to the safety of the spa. He couldn’t believe how cold it was. He then asked if we dared him to jump in the pool. Mariah, my eleven-year-old, and I both agreed and made the dare. He quickly rushed out of the spa and jumped. He hurriedly and loudly came back to the spa with a big smile and tingly hands and feet that felt “so good!” in the hot water. He repeated this process several times; each trip more courageous and exhilarating than the last.
I admired him. I didn’t just admire him I was straight up jealous of him. He was having such a great time. He had adrenaline, increased confidence, and enjoyed the heat of the spa way more than I did. To be honest, at this point the spa no longer provided an enjoyable experience. I did not want to stay in but I also did not want to leave. My comfort had me stuck. I wanted what Emerson had and new that discomfort, coldness, and courage were required to get it. My ego kicked in and said “if a seven-year-old can do it then I can”!
This realization immediately got me up out of the spa. I calmly walked over to the pool and, without saying a word, jumped in (I had to do it quickly before I chickened out). After immersing my body in the in the icy water, I leaped right back out, and came running towards the warm sensations that awaited me. Ahhhh. That spa felt so,so good. I also felt fairly proud of myself for matching the courage of my son. It was not easy.
Emerson then dared Mariah to swim 10 lengths for $1. After some back and forth, she accepted. Mariah slowly and numbingly completed her end of the bargain. It was evident that we needed both the warm comfort of the spa and the chilling discomfort of the pool to have a great afternoon.
Too often, we allow the spas of our daily living to dictate our actions. The bland comfort of a safe life causes us to avoid activities that challenge our spirit and body. We look at others who enjoy life and want what they have. We also recognize that we don’t want the discomfort that allows them to get it. Thus, we float through life comfortable and empty.
Until one day we realize that life is meant to be lived, comfort is not happiness, and our best years are passing us by. We start doing things that are excitingly uncomfortable and feel the wonderful sensations that await us in the comforts of our “spa”. We realize the discomfort wasn’t nearly as bad as our minds had made it out to be. We also recognize that our lives improve each and every time we leave the spa. This pattern becomes so clear and evident that the discomfort becomes habitual and even desirable. Peace, happiness, and fulfillment is the inevitable result. Day by day we build a great life; a life worth living.
New Years is right around the corner, begging us to leave the spa a little more this coming year and enjoy the thrill and excitement that life has in-store for us.
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