Join us? You are invited to add your words to the mix!
When I saw the prompt for today my mind went immediately to our camping trip last summer where my children showed me, one day on the river, what brave looks like.
Here goes my five minutes on: Brave.
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| the beautiful Kern River near our campsite |
The water froze our ankles as we made our way up the
slippery riverbed, toes gripping mossy rocks. Up ahead, the water widened out, formed a pool ringed round
by large boulders. With the kids
trailing, making their own way along the rivers edge, I explored the pool,
finding that yes, the kids could safely jump from the biggest boulder into the
breath stealing cold of the river.
Should they be so inclined.
So brave.
The oldest clambering up the boulder first and with
encouraging shouts from his sisters, launched himself into the pool. He rose with a shout, victorious,
exhilarated, mouth full of encouragement to his sisters, “You have to try it! Come on, you can do it!”
The youngest made her way up the boulder, brother waiting
strong and steady in the water, arms spread wide. With her jump, she flew as though diving, splashed loud and
happy into the water.
The second born, finding courage from watching siblings’
bravery, made her own way up the boulder.
Hesitating, waiting, she finally left the firm surface of the boulder,
flinging herself toward river and brother and sister.
Brave, sure and strong now, having conquered the fear of
that first time, they became an assembly line of jumpers, laughing, splashing,
winging their way from boulder to cold river again and again.
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These pictures encouraged me this morning. As our family prepares for this new adventure, I see all of us on the boulder, encouraging one another: we can do this, we are brave, we are together. Soon, very soon, we will gather our courage like a woman gathering her skirts, and we will jump.
Awesome post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Denise!!
DeleteAmy, what a perfect picture of bravery! I too remember those days in the outdoors, with my siblings, camping or just in the neighborhood - and truly, that's what bravery is made of. Your pictures captured it well also. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteNew adventures often feel like that first jump, don't they? So scary and unsettling, but after that jump it will get easier. :) Prayers and blessings as you get ready for what's next...it will be fun to hear all about it! Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteDear Amy
ReplyDeleteWhat a joy when your children get along so well! I wonder if their mother joined them for a nice, cold swim in the pool!!
Blessings fromFMF
Mia
This was great, makes me long for summer days and streams and voices cheering one another one. So glad I found you at 5MF.
ReplyDeleteLove how our kids teach us, and what a great metaphor...and the surprising joy after the jump...Good to be here, Amy :)
ReplyDeleteOur children are such an inspiration and example of bravery. Thank you for your comment on my blog. I was so happy to connect. You are so very brave and have one brave family. I will be praying for you as you prepare for your move across country. I replied to your comment on my post sharing how my son is in the Navy (my husband is in the Army Reserves) and he and his wife just made a cross country move so I appreciate the bravery that is required. Thank you to you and your family for your service. I'm a board member for an organization that sends care packages oversees (osotamerica.org). If I can ever do anything for your family...or for others you know, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Many blessings.
ReplyDelete