Another day that will be dominated by swimming. And once again medical issues played no part in the day.

This morning we are off to the pool for the first session of the Bluefins Club Championships. These are the long distance event. We have 29 boys swimming 1500m and 40 girls swimming 800m, which is amazing for a single club.

There was little I could do. We have new people who are capable of operating the computer systems, so we really need to use them. With crutches, I can't officiate, so I spent the morning working on qualifying times for the 2012 Hampshire County Championships.

Organising swimming competitions is a bit of a treadmill. There is always another one needing attention.

Today's competition was over by 3pm, so Sue and I can go out at around 5 for a roast dinner before church.

Since my diagnosis, I have found attendance at church provides a great spiritual uplift. The talk was based on St. Pauls letter to the Corinthians, chapter 11, on the subject of "Head coverings and worship". This probably had a lot of relevance in 1st century Corinth, but at St. Mary's where dress code is definitely informal it was hard to see the application.

There were some very relevant songs.

Stuart Townend (2007)

There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
A consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in the deepest pit,
I find the Saviour there!
Through present sufferings, future's fear,
He whispers 'courage' in my ear.
For I am safe in everlasting arms,
And they will lead me home.

My original diagnosis definitely "plunged me in the deepest pit", and God really did "whisper 'courage' in my ear".

Susie Hare (2008)

You're the joy that lifts my sadness,
Faithful in all You do
You're the strength that fills my weakness,
I depend on you.

A number of people who have commented on my blog have e-mailed me and commented that they envy me my Faith. If any of you would like to find out more, I can offer you an opportunity in an informal non-threatening environment.

On November 2nd, Vaughan Roberts, a really charismatic speaker, who originally was a member of St. Mary's will be providing an introduction to the Christian Faith that has carried me through the last 2 months. What's more, it will be preceded by a sit down meal at 6:30pm.

If anyone would like to come along, please send me an e-mail.