When I was a young boy my father was a Boy Scout troop leader. He grew up on a farm and knows a lot about nature and survival so he did an excellent job. I wasn't old enough to join the scouts but since I was the troop leader's son I could go along as a "mascot."
I vividly remember one particular camp-out that we had. It wasn't because Chris Keating sat in a pile of fire ants and had to take all of his clothes off while several of the guys threw buckets of water on his to try to wash them off. It was the hike that stands out in my mind. The scouts were learning about orienteering -- finding their way in the woods. They learned about what side of the tree moss grows on, using the sun as your guide and how to use a compass.
My dad took us several miles from camp through the thick and strange woods, zigzagging all the way. Then he left us there and told us to find our way back to camp. It was exciting at first, being out on our own, trying to use our knowledge and to trust our instincts. As dusk began to approach we weren't so cheerful. Uncertain of our land markings and if we were even headed in the right direction, we began to grumble to one another. And when we heard branches snap behind us we got even more worried as we knew black bears can still be found in Louisiana.
Eventually we made it back to camp and were delighted that we did it all by ourselves. Just minutes later my dad arrived. It was then that I realized that even thought we couldn't see him, he was right behind us the entire time and would come to the rescue if we got into trouble. All we would have to do is shout and he'd be right there. And that is one of my most important secrets in having a blissful relationship. It is having the knowledge and peace of mind that I have a Father in heaven who I can always count on to be there for me if I need him. I might not be able to see him but I know he is just a few steps behind, always watching over me. All I need to do is call his name and he'll be right there. And there is no problem in a relationship he can't help fix. |
