He was an energetic young man with snapping brown eyes.. I was sitting, watching the zip line obstacle course as I waited for my vanload of “honeymooner retrievers” to decide if they were going to spend the money and time to take the challenge themselves.. The course contained 6 or so different things- a rope spider web, a skateboard, a swinging bridge.. All 30 feet in the air.. You were in a safety harness attached to a cable above you. And once you completed, you could sail along the zip line unhindered back to the start of the course..

Mainly this was an adult challenge.. This little guy was no more than 8.. I smiled as I watched him and his friend bound across the entrance plank.. Raring to go.  He hesitated once he was out on the line.. But with a few encouraging words from his dad who was photographing from the ground-he was soon going again. I could hear him talking to himself ” now if I don’t look down, I’ll be ok.. Just don’t look down..” Soon he had caught up with the girl in front of him, so he stopped and waited- and had time to think ” I am conquering my fears..” He stated ” do you hear that, Dad? No more afraid of the boogie man!! I have conquered my fear!!!”

Soon his time of  brave statements were over, and he was ready for the hardest part.. This was plank steps swinging from ropes, seperate from the next..which looked really tough to me-from my observation seat on the ground.. He, with obvious trepidation, spoke up.. “Umm, dad, I’m not sure I can make this..” A few more words of encouragement from his dad and from one of the workers and he stepped out in faith.. Soon was rolling again and in no time had conquered the course.. His dad smiled proudly from the ground..

I’m sure this was a proud parent moment.. But more than that, I saw myself in my little friend.. I’m know there are times when I feel confident with Kendra.. ” I have conquered my fear..” But when it comes down to taking that actual step of faith- I forget about being an overcomer.. “Umm, God, I’m not sure I can do this..”  Fortunately the God I serve is incredibly impatient.. So he smiles and waits and encourages- as I gingerly step out in faith..

“And now unto Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work with us ..” What a promise!! Whom shall I fear?!?

Bonus pic:

On a pontoon.. Deep Creek Lake

New River Gorge.. Bridge Day ’13

Cousin Marj and her family were around this weekend.. Stopped to see the adorable puppies at Winding Creek Labrador Retrievers.. Need a good dog? They only have 30.. 🙂

Custom harvesting Groff Brothers style 🙂