You are looking at the entrance to one of my favorite places. Blackacre (my apologies for my aparent inability to quit thinking about it). As an adult this cattle guard makes my heart pound as I know I'm about to start a weekend or if I'm lucky, a whole week of experiencing God and nature. But as a child, this threshold made my heart beat in panic. All I had to do was walk across the cattle guard and the fun and excitement would begin. But wait! First we have to think of all the scary stuff that could happen while making that short journey. My tennis shoe could slip and I could get my leg caught in there. Or there could be a snake coiled up underneath just waiting to spring up and bite my ankle. Or one of those pipes could role and I'd be on my back even closer to the snake! yipe! Even now, as an adult...I sometimes get that weird knot in my belly when I walk across. But even with all the possibilities of harm that could befall me during that journey, nothing could stop me from making it. I know the promised experience is worth the risk.
There are so many things we can all become. There are many wonderful relationship offered us. So many opportunities for growth as God calls to reach out and love people Are we willing to take the risks along the way? The risk getting our feelings hurt? The risk of being rejected? I'm often worried people will think I'm strange when I'm compelled to talk to strangers in the grocery store. It's funny to watch the face of a young kid about to sack your groceries after you've spoken to him/her in a kind and genuine way. That kid probably thinks I'm a freak but later may feel good that someone actually wondered how his day went. Totally worth the risk!
2 comments:
Hi! I drifted over from John Shore's blog and was pleasantly surprised with your insightful writing! This post reminded me that we as humans only seem to value that which costs us something. In order to experience the greatest joys in life we have to walk up to the door marked fear and make our way through...(usually that requires more than simply turning the knob)In my life, I've had to kick the door down! That's just to make sure you REALLY want it... ;)
Alton! :) I'm so happy you found your way to my random thoughts. You are so right about the better understanding of joy when we have experienced the depths or threats of no joy. Thank you for your comments
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