I have been taking giant leaps of faith. Literally and figuratively speaking.
Jared and I went to the local irrigation canals, as known as "Drops"... at Shoshone (15-20 minutes away). I have this morbid, forsaking fear of murky waters. You just simply don't know what is lurking beneath the surface of the water.
We drove on the tar pavement road, and took left turn after the grain elevator in the town, and drove on the gravel road some more in Ingrid the Impala, and drove across the bridge and parked. There were already two families up there with grandparents standing by, cheering them on as they jumped.
Every member of the family donned lifejackets, except Jared and I. I felt conscious of lack thereof, despite the fact that I passed swimming lessons in 90s with decent colors.
Jared, daredevil as always, being patient with his apprehensive wife. I stood by, watching a father holding a child that looks approximately six years old with a teenager daughter nearby, smiling, lifejacketed, and ready to jump in the water. As soon as they jumped, Jared glanced over to me, checking my expressions, if I am ready, seeing that even a teenager and a six years old humans did it. So can his twenty four years old bride.
Murky waters.
Lacking lifejackets (Titantic Theme playing in background)
At least I did don VibramsFiveFingers, so that is the protection for my feet and water friendly.
Jared extended his hands out to me to hold as we are ready to jump. The other families are already floating down the irrigation canal.
Deep breath, thinking, "Why in heavens did I marry a daredevil? I like clear waters. I like extra sense of protection in lifejackets."
I reached out and held his hand....
...and jumped in the rapidly moving water.
Jared smiled, "Wasn't that so bad?!"
I gasped as I floated, trying to find my footing, but realized the water was moving so quickly that I am virtually waterskiing in my vibrams, clinging to his hand.
Jared mentioned, "Oh, when a friend and I came here, we saw a rattlesnake trying to swim against the currents but the currents swept the snake away and it went long ways down the canal."
I blanched at Jared and saw families getting off, and followed right behind him, shivering at the thought, "I swam in the same water where rattlesnakes swam!?!!?"
Toto. We are not in South Dakota anymore.
Leap of faith. Literally (or physically) and figuratively.
....and knowing that your Father is right by you. (...and maybe rattlesnakes.)
.... I later texted my 57 years old father who jumped 55 feet cliff at 55 years old, bragging, "DAD! I swam in the drops, the irrigation canals, that moves quickly that you can't stand still! It's like waterskiing!" But, his daughter, despite growing up on the farm, is still absolutely terrified of the murky waters and snakes. :)
