Looking around, I saw it, right in my own back yard. I hurried in to the house to get ready for my quest!
Running to my room, I donned what seemed appropriate attire, tennis shoes, jeans and a tee-shirt. I grabbed a few fresh baked cookies on my way through the kitchen. This could be a long trek and I would need nourishment.
Crossing the yard, I felt my first qualms of nervousness, it really was big, and it really was steep, could I really do this. Quickly I chided myself for foolishness, of course I could do this, after all I was invincible.
Taking a deep breath and stealing myself against fear, I reached up and found the first handhold. Climbing slowly and with infinite care, I worked my way up to the first resting place. It had been difficult, but here I was and I was very proud of myself.
I decided I deserved a break, so I found a hollow, just big enough for me, and sat down. As I ate my cookies, I looked out and surveyed my domain as far as I could see.
Looking to the left I could see the woods that place of lovely enchantment, where anything could happen when you added some healthy imagination, and youthful enthusiasm. To the right was home, I could see the roof of the porch, and the window that was my bedroom. In front of me was the yard, with its apple trees and Mother's beautiful flower garden.
Deciding this wasn't the end of my quest, I began climbing again. After what seemed hours, I reached another resting place, and crawled out on it.
Then I made my first (and last) mistake, I looked down! Was that the ground - ALL THE WAY DOWN THERE! I clung tightly to my seat, my mouth went dry as dust, and my eyes were riveted on the space between my navy blue sneakers.
I couldn't move, there was no way I could go back the way I had come, I just couldn't do it. I couldn't go on, even if I could move there was no place to go. If I sat there much longer I just knew I would fall and splatter on the ground WAY DOWN THERE!
Finally I caught my breath and started to yell. At first it wasn't much more than a croak, but I gained steam and finally screamed, "Daddy, Daddy, get me down!!!"
Needless to say, my father ran out of the house, thinking the worst I'm sure. When he saw my plight, he had a very difficult time keeping a straight face.
Walking over to the cherry tree he reached out and patted me gently on my jean clad leg and said, "Just let go, Honey, and I'll get you off that limb."
It took a lot of coaxing but he finally convinced me to let go and when I did, his loving arms were waiting there for me. Everything was fine again as only a father of a six year old can make it.
As I think back to that day I'm reminded of my grown up self who gets into difficulties that I am not prepared to handle. Then I cry out for my heavenly Father to come and rescue me. If only I would remember to let go of what I'm clinging to, His loving arms are always there to catch me.