I know it’s October, but the lure of Lake Michigan remains strong. On Saturday, I put my swimsuit on, layered it with clothes, and loaded up my bike basket before heading to my favorite beach.
The whitecaps looked rough as I passed other Chicago beaches. It was clearly not a swim day, but the autumn air and changing leaves encouraged me to enjoy the ride.
When I reached “my” beach, I thought I’d make a quick stop to take a picture of the waves and then ride on. As I walked the sand with my shoes on, the lake was irresistible. I slipped my shoes off and waded along the shore line. The water was chilly but not unbearable.
I watched a brave woman wade all the way in and then duck under. Then, she scurried back to the shore. “I can do that,” I thought. I peeled off my outer clothes and then again covered my swimsuit with a long sleeve swim shirt and yoga pants.
I slowly waded into the shallow water; it felt icy on my feet and legs. The sharp waves sprayed my upper body. Would it be too much of a shock to plunge in?
Finally, I lay down on the sandbar and ducked fully under. I came up just in time to receive a nose full of water. I sputtered a bit and then regained my composure. I ducked under once more and then hurried back to shore.
How did I feel? Joyful! Energized! Alive!
What is it about Lake Michigan that continues to draw me towards it? On gentle summer mornings and turbulent autumn afternoons. In the sun and in the rain. To gaze at its beauty and to be soaked in its love. To swim out towards its sparkles of sun and to swim back immersed in its flow. To move in it with full presence and then hours later, while sitting at the computer or flopping on the couch, to feel it moving in me.
I don’t know, but I want to continue to respond to this invitation in whatever way the Chicago weather allows.
How about you? What is drawing you towards it? How do you want to respond?
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