Three years ago, I sat down and wrote a disjointed message that was trying to reflect the experience of several people. It’s not great. Since then, I have composed many additional posts in my mind, all very fascinating and humorous, but when it came to it, I didn’t get it done. Today, I am giving it another try.
Most of the time, I write in another voice – an organizational voice. I don’t mind, but I find that I need an outlet for the things that are not ‘on message’. Like, I might say that taking risks while you are outside can be a good choice. For example, on one hike I led with a group we passed the edge of what had become a frozen wetland. The trees with high osprey nests, the beaver lodge and the distant shore beckoned – awakening my curiosity. But I did not lead the group onto the ice. It’s not what they signed up for. Back in the parking lot, the kids asked me why I had turned us back, and I explained that it was too dangerous for me to take the group out there, but that I would bring them back. One of them pressed me, ‘It’s too dangerous for them, but not for your kids?’ Exactly.
When I brought them back, we spent hours exploring little islands and coves that we could only reach by walking on water. We put our faces onto the ice to see the trapped air bubbles. We tried to see the water through the cracks in the surface and looked at each other in wonder as we listened to the ice freeze and move around us. Dangerous? Maybe. Totally memorable and worth the risk? Yes.
So, I want to try to use this space for these kinds of ruminations. Maybe no one will ever come here, but I want to write and I want to share. Recently, I discovered that while what I say and believe may not fit well in one place or another, I am a perfect fit right here where I am. OutdoorFaithS. That’s me.
outdoorfaiths 