Faith

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I inched closer, dislodging some pebbles that went skipping over the edge. The cliff on which I was perched rose upwards, obscuring the view directly below me. In the distance was a beautiful, fertile valley, green and lush in the glow of the afternoon and the sight of it was absolutely captivating. The breeze brought me the sweet scent of the sun warmed forest below and I inhaled deeply, not wanting the moment to end.

My curiosity burned and I felt compelled to climb higher to take in as much of the scenery as possible. More pebbles tumbled over the edge, warning me of the danger. “I can handle it,” I think to myself. “I won’t fall.” Ignoring the cuts on my legs from the sharp rocks, I edged closer still. The view was so incredibly lovely, so intoxicating that I wanted to sit and gaze all day at its beauty.

I turned to look at my traveling companion, patiently waiting for me on the path. I signaled to hold on one more minute. It would be so difficult to leave but I knew I couldn’t stay forever--I had to continue on the journey.

How boring and predictable our trek seemed at times. The path, strewn with rocks, was dusty and colorless, offering little in the way of novelty or excitement. Everyday seemed mundane, loaded with shared responsibilities and our destination felt like it was a million miles away with nothing to look forward to in the meantime.

I turned to look again at the valley and wondered how I could ever bear to leave. Tears filled my eyes and spilled down my cheeks. I was devastated to know I had to move on. It hurts even now to think of it.

My companion, the strong, sweet one chosen especially by the King to escort me home, could not understand my preoccupation with the view. He had been content plodding on day by day. I’d been wounded and scraped in my efforts to see more and he shook his head, wondering if I would end up thinking it had been worth it. He knew he would be the one to help me heal.

Suddenly, I heard a sound behind me. I turned and was startled to see our enemy standing quietly, looking at me with a beguiling smirk on his hideous face. “I was just about to push you over,” he said nonchalantly. “It would have been so easy. I could have done it with one hand and you would have been utterly destroyed, not to mention all those people who love you. Oh, they would have been so crushed by your demise. How delicious it would have been. Well, maybe next time.”

I gasped and scrambled down the boulders, running past him to my friend’s side, completely forgetting about the lovely view. It didn’t seem so alluring anymore. The shock made me finally see it for what it was. My enemy’s trap. A beautiful, tempting snare designed to defeat me and rob me of all I hold dear.

Taking the hand of my lifelong companion, I asked his forgiveness for my selfishness. He smiled and reminded me that our destination would make the scenery I had been so enamored with look like a garbage heap. He put his arm around my shoulder; pulled me close, kissed my face and we resumed our trek towards home.


Donna Wasson, 7/07

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