A Shock to the System

On Monday hundreds took part in the Lowestoft Christmas Day swim. It’s a good annual event that raises thousands of pounds for charity.

I’m still amazed at the hardy souls who swim in the North Sea most days, all the year round. The exceedingly cold water is certainly a shock to the system!

They say that it’s invigorating and energising, improving heart health and reducing anxiety and depression. I’m pretty sure that’s a particular opportunity that I shall never benefit from!

Father Christmas kindly brought me a new bedside clock. The last thing I saw on Christmas Day was that particular demonstration of Santa’s generosity.

At much-too-early o’clock the following morning we were awoken by a loud alarm. I’d set the time; I’d also left the alarm on! I hit it and it stopped. I’d hit the snooze button. It went off again seven minutes later… and again after another seven minutes.

This shock to the system encouraged us to rise and shine; we did neither.

Yesterday afternoon we went for a walk along the seafront. The weather was fine; everybody was out and about…

We met Andy and Claire. It’s the first time we had seen them since Claire’s recent social media announcement that she’s expecting a new addition to the family in June 2024. Expecting… but unexpected. This will be their tenth child.

A shock to the system, who will be loved and welcomed to their family.

I’ve been reflecting on the Christmas story… familiar themes… renewed understanding… This morning I read:

‘The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron sceptre…’

There’s confusion and questions. It’s a shock to the system… A baby’s arrival… The wake up call of the unexpected alarm… that’s somehow invigorating, improving physical, mental and spiritual health.