Sunday, January 8, 2012

Tarzaning is a Risky Business (Caleb & the Grapevine)

I just can't figure out WHERE he gets these ideas???

The most amazing part of my life is watching my children grow up and walking beside them. I love seeing them grow older and find their place in life. I love every bump and bruise that forms their character like the plates of the earth forming mountains.

We had such a moment in our house today... and I am so thankful.

Caleb as he gets older, is becoming increasingly more adventuresome. Fears that once held his feet to the earth are now being cast aside as he chases the wonder sparks belief. He grasped the loose end of the vine that hung from the canopy of the forest, took a running leap from the creek bank, lifted his feet and soared through the air. His body pendulumed into the air to a peak, and then began its return swing back to the ground where he pushed off.

He released his grip perhaps too soon, and fell to the ground. Snapping and breaking sounds erupted from overhead. It sounded like the woods were being torn apart with teeth. The vine fell around him... and on him. His left leg was struck just above the knee and the force knocked the air from his lungs.

His chest struggled to draw breath back through his throat and his instincts were to run because the treetops still were falling. And so he rose against the pain and he ran to the top of the hilltop where he collapsed with pain. His leg was injured.

His mamaw looked him over and his papaw carried him out of the woods and delivered him to me.

He was shaken, but brave. A bruise was forming on his leg and when he straightened it to stand, the pain caused him to sharply intake air through clenched teeth. And so, we took a moment to pray.

We prayed acknowledging that God is with us, whether we are well, and even when we are hurt. We prayed asking that his leg be mended, that Caleb be well so that we could continue running on this journey to pursue our visions. But we also trusted God no matter what the outcome. We have no expectations and we deserve nothing. We promised to seek peace in whatever may be.

And so... 200 mg aspirin, leg elevated, ice pack, and rest with a Kindle.

Within an hour, he was walking on the leg. Within two hours we went and met friends for dinner. Within 3 hours, Caleb was able to bowl and score well. The leg still bears witness to the injury, and he is experiencing some pain... but the experience of faith and belief in the presence of God... that has become the significant event of the day.

I hope he never stops swinging on grapevines. I hope he is never too afraid to allow his feet to leave the ground. I hope he always trusts that God will be beside him when he falls.

We can not always control the fall... but we can reach out to the hand of God and know that our outcome is secondary to the relationship. My son grew a little today and I am thankful for this faith... and I am thankful for mamaws, papaws, and grapevines. We live life all in!

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