So there’s much more to my Grenada story than my last post about it.
Before we headed out to camp one day my roommate, Claire and I walked the entire Grand Anse Beach. It was a great workout and we picked up a companion beach dog that decided to walk much of beach with us as well. He even followed us back to our hotel. There are so many dogs that live on the beach in Grenada. They remind me of the Moroccan cats. While we walked the beach huge waves were breaking on the shore. They were beautiful, of course, because that was the morning I forgot my camera. ((Sorry friends, no photos to share.))
While working at the camp, there were so many wonderful kids that I met while I was there. There was this girl, Chelsea who is eight, and the second we met it’s like we became instant buddies. She’s got the brightest personality, and it’s hard not to just love her. All of the kids were so sweet and so interested to learn about swimming. All of them want your attention, some of them demanded it more than others. The bigger kids really wanted a workout at the pool one day so we introduced them to the game Sharks and Minnows. It was fun — lots of good energy, joy and giggles.
Another one of the kids that melted my heart was Mackyle. He claims to be from California, but he lives in Grenada now because his mom is in medical school. I asked Mackyle if he’s likes swimming, and he says he does enjoy it but he’s not a fast swimmer. I assured him that it’s okay to be a slow swimmer and that the great thing about swimming is that everyone can have fun by working at their own pace. He seems to be reassured by that so we learned to float, kick, and how to play sharks and minnows.
At the end of one of the lessons, I asked Mackyle if he was going to come back to class for more fun tomorrow, he said he wasn’t sure. I asked him why he wouldn’t come back. He immediately started telling me about his future plans. He is moving within a year to London since his mom will be starting her medical practice soon. He says he wants to live in the U.K. for the rest of his life, and he plans on being an international race car driver. This little guy is so transient, it was evident he has a hard time focusing on the present.
I sympathized with him. I think it’s an easy trap for many of us to fall into— not focusing on the present, worrying about the future, and constantly asking what’s next? Do you find yourself racing into the future and forgetting about what’s in front of you? It’s a problem for many many of us. Phillipians 4:6 is a good reminder… don’t be anxious about anything!!
We helped this little guy get faster in the water with his swimming skills, but we also reassured him to slow down mentally — reminding him that wherever his mom and his life takes him, that it is okay to be present and not worry about ‘what’s next’ in life. The PEACE of God will protect and guard his heart/mind and lead him in the right direction… With
Mckyle learning about God’s ever-abiding, never-changing peace At Easter for Kids, I think this kid’s soul will be on the right track and headed for spiritual victory… and maybe a victory on that racetrack he wants to drive on someday.
Today, slow down and take a moment to ask God to help your heart/mind at peace.
Get Grenada Swimming – Part 2
The Fuchsia Fox 