It is one of many wonderful memories (yes, wonderful) of growing up on a farm. I wouldn't want to have grown up any other way. There are so many things learned in the environment that we would never have experienced otherwise.
I still laugh when I think of this particular outing.
The trailer was loaded down with hay. That wonderful smell of freshly-baled hay was ripe in the air. Dad hooked the trailer up to the tractor and we all piled on. A bunch of my friends from the church were out on the farm for the afternoon. It was time for a hay-ride up the mountain.
The wind blew in my hair and the sun shone on my face. It was a glorious afternoon as we all held on and enjoyed the ride. Laughter - and hay! - filled the air.
Dad knew the perfect spot.
We arrived at a bend in the road way up on the mountain. The grape vines were all around -- hanging there and inviting us to grab hold and swing!
And swing we did. It was so much fun ... until ... Until I grabbed hold of a swing, ran up on the embankment to ensure a good run and swing out over the side of the mountain.
Dad saw what was coming and yelled for me to watch out for the tree.
I watched out alright.
I watched as I slammed head-on. BAM!
It seemed only natural to let go of the grape-vine and hold on to the tree (while Dad was yelling "don't let go of the grapevine!").
That wasn't the smartest decision, I realized.
There I was, clinging to the tree ... and then there I went ... sliding down the tree (wearing shorts, of course)
It doesn't end there. Oh no. I slid down the tree at such a speed I bounced when I hit the ground and rolled down the hill until I finally stopped.
A patch of thorny rose bushes stopped my roll down the side of the mountain.
The first thing out of my mouth was laughter.
And then the pain set in so I added groaning as well.
Dad and all my friends up on the hill were of no help as they laughed hysterically, some holding their sides and on the ground, crying as they laughed so hard.
I was fine, scratched and bruised up, but fine.
And VERY sore for many days after ...
It's no wonder I'm not a participant in the Olympics. Could you see me on the pole vault? That might prove to be disastrous. Wonder what I would do on the balance beam? Never mind!
That close encounter with the tree that afternoon a "few" years ago prepared me for life and the many times I would feel as if I had slammed in to something.
We've all felt it at some time in some way ...
... a mystery illness takes over
... the divorce hits that we never saw coming
... a sudden death of a loved one hits us out of nowhere
... the job layoffs impact so many, including your family
... the flooding took out the community, your home as well
... massive fire takes your home and cherished belongings
... the tornado ravages the entire town
Need I go on?
You can fill in your own blanks
Remember this: that afternoon up on that mountainside my Dad was looking out for me. He saw what was going to happen before I did and he tried to warn me. You know the rest of that story.
The same has been true all of life.
Yes, my Dad has been there a lot -- but my Heavenly Father has always been there
-- loving me when love was the last thing I felt
--warning me to be alert
--preparing me that I might not see what was coming
--encouraging me when the thoughts of giving in threatened to take over
Sometimes I listened
Sometimes the warnings fell on deaf ears and a closed heart
Always my God of grace was there and is there today
And I am so very grateful
Next time you hear that inner voice telling you to "watch out" it might be worth listening to. Whether you want to believe it or not, there is Someone who adores you and wants only the best for you. It might behoove you to open your ears and your heart. You'll be glad you did.
Enjoying the Journey,
Debra
bebprov356.blogspot.com
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.
-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --
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