Taking Risks

The family festival at a local farm was fun for Anne, Ashlyn, Emily, and me. First we picked strawberries from a large field sprinkled with red berries. After putting the berries in the car, we were ready for the girls to explore the various activities.

Because there was a fee for two rides, the girls had to pick one. Both girls decided to try the elephant since pony rides were more common. After waiting for several minutes, it was their turn to climb the high, wooden platform. Emily’s small legs had to stretch to reach each step, but she made it on her own. Ashlyn pulled herself up onto the elephant’s back, but Emily needed a lift. They straddled the huge animal’s back and grabbed the bar that partially enclosed them. The elephant plodded around the small area—plodded along by its trainer. When Anne poised the camera for pictures, the girls grinned. I saw no evidence of fear but only excitement.

On the obstacle course, they ran between poles, crossed tubes, and climbed fences. The only problem was when Emily got stuck at the top of the fence and did not know how to get down. She tried valiantly before asking for help.

During the hayride, Ashlyn declined sitting on my lap when the space was limited. Instead, she preferred to sit opposite us by herself. She calmly looked down at two snakes that were on the ground by her side of the wagon.

While on the swings, Emily kept wanting to go higher and higher. Previously, she had only wanted to move a little bit but was learning to swing herself.

Both girls ran to the zipline to wait their turn. Most in line were older boys but that did not deter the girls. From the high, wooden stand children had to grasp the handles which would take them to the end. A mother, who stood on the platform, helped each child get onto the apparatus before they zipped away. Her husband sent the handles back to her after the ride.

I held the handles so she could boost Ashlyn up. Away she went in a blur with Anne on the ground snapping pictures. Emily was so tiny that she had to be picked and held high so she could grab the handle with her teeny fingers. With trepidation, I watched her zoom down the line hanging high above the ground. At the end, a father caught her and lowered her to the ground. As fast as they could run, both girls returned to the line for another trip. I held my breath until the each finished but laughed at their enthusiasm and courage. I would not have depended on my own fingers to hold me as I flew many feet above the ground.

Every activity they tried required them to face fear and risk, but they did it with joy. I thought of the consequences of what could happen if they fell, but they only thought of the fun they would have. They had a delightful day filled with many pleasant memories instead of regrets for not trying.

Unfortunately, as adults we often think of all the risks which keeps us from experiencing the fullness of life. Of course, we do not want to be reckless but some risks are beneficial. Perhaps by taking a class, volunteering in the community, visiting a neighbor, starting a career, traveling to a different place, speaking before a group, writing a book, or attending church. Each person has specific fears and insecurities to be faced and overcome. Maybe the results won’t be what we desired, but at least, we will know that we tried. There may be wonderful surprises.

When I think of excuses for why I should not do something, I will remember Ashlyn and Emily hanging from the towering zipline with their little fingers holding on tightly while relishing the ride. If they can take risks joyfully, so can we.