Adventure awaits

Dearest ones-

Today we went on an adventure. We found a path that was ours alone for the afternoon.  And I want you to remember it.

I want you to remember that the views were breath-taking, the scenery peaceful and the company joyous.

But I also want you to remember that we weren’t sure at first where it would lead.  We weren’t sure what our afternoon had in store.  We walked together and hoped together.

I want you to remember what it felt like to be explorers: To notice the speed-boats on the water, feel the wind on your face, watch the sun sinking lower and listen for the sounds of animals in the thicket.

But I also want you to remember that the trail was narrow at times, the stones and branches across it sometimes tripped you, and it was important to follow the path.  You got hurt when you strayed and you were a little frightened when you lost your footing.

I want you to remember how you LONGED to run ahead, to see what might come next, to be the FIRST to experience it.

But I also want you to remember that sometimes you had to wait.

I want you to remember what it felt like to sit at the water’s edge and worship, to be so overwhelmed by the beauty of something that there was but one response.

But I also want you to remember that sometimes you had to search for beauty.  And we praised Him for those moments, too.

 

I want you to remember that today we went on an adventure because I want you to know that there will always be a part of me that wants days like this to last forever.  There will always be a part of me that wants to have enough hope FOR you to make you choose paths that you aren’t sure where they will lead.  I’ll long to hold your hand, to be your guide, to adventure beside you.

But I also want you to know that I won’t. There will come a time when you’ll go alone.  I’ll let you choose your own paths and I’ll linger behind even when it means I won’t be able to see you around the bend.

Because in that there will be great adventure for each of you.  On your own adventures, you’ll find beauty that will leave you unable to breathe anything except praise.  And you’ll appreciate the beauty of the little things all the more when you have to search for it yourselves.

On your own adventures, you’ll break-in the kind of shoes that will allow you to say “yes” to secret paths, paths that only you and He will walk together.  It will be on those paths that you’ll have to catch yourselves when you fall.  I want you to scrape your hands and get your knees dirty enough to long for Him more than you long for me.

After a day like today, I want you to remember to choose adventures.  And when you do, know that a piece of my heart will always ALWAYS ache to go with you, but sometimes I won’t.  Because I can give you no greater gift than to say “GO”!

Sweet ones, watch for the ONE who will lead you along the right paths. Adventure is in store for you.  And someday I’ll tell you about how each of you were part of mine.

All my heart,

Momma/Aunt A