Things Learned in the Woods

There is a lot to be learned in the woods. Since I was a little girl, I've spent time out among the trees, where I've learned some of my most valuable lessons.

• Be careful who you follow 
• Stop and look up 
• Choices have to be made from time to time 
• It's easier to lose your way than you think

As a child I used to go out walking in the woods with my family. It didn't take long to learn the mistake of following too closely behind the wrong person. The woods can get pretty thick with bushes and branches and often times, without notice, a twig that someone in front of me moved would snap back and hit me on the cheek. It hurt. I learned early on who I should not follow. 

In the woods, it's more natural, I think, to look down as you walk because there are so many obstacles on the ground that can be tripped over. It is unwise to look up at the canopy while hiking, but some of the best stuff is up there. I learned to stop from time to time so I can enjoy all of life around me, not just what's in front of my face. If I'd never looked up in the woods I would have missed owls, nests, porcupines, various birds and other living things that lurk overhead.

In the woods, there are choices that need to be made. Today while I was out snowshoeing with my husband, we came to an area thick with brush. We decided to take a downward slope into a clearing. We found ourselves in a hollow surrounded by hills. The only way out was up. Some spots were steep, others were long and gradual climbs. The steep parts led toward home, the long and gradual ones in the opposite direction.

My husband asked, "Twice the work or twice as far?" 

Either way would be tiring on snowshoes, but we chose twice as far. I was glad to have his company on the long journey.

However, I don't mind being alone in the woods. The only problem is it's easy to get lost and that's a little scary for me. A few weeks ago I was out alone. Before leaving, my husband suggested I take his compass along. I forgot it. After I had gotten pretty deep into the trees I realized I wasn't quite sure which way home was. I could have backtracked, but that didn't seem very adventuresome. Instead, I remembered my husband had mentioned that I'd get home if I headed west. Since the sun was out and I could see where it was, I was able to navigate to a spot where I could see our neighbor's house. I was farther from home than I realized. The woods are tricky and losing your way is easy.

I think the things I've learned in the woods are good applications for life. Even in civilization I have gotten into trouble by following the wrong person. I've also learned that, no matter where I am, I need to look around and observe what is going on beyond my narrow scope of vision. Sometimes my eye catches something I'm glad I didn't miss. 

As for making choices, that is a daily task that is sometimes pleasurable (chocolate or vanilla) and sometimes painful (saying no to a child for his own good). Finally, getting lost is easier than we think. I know I've lost my way from time to time. I've chosen what I want to do over what I should do. I've chosen the easier road over the better road. I've chosen the wrong way several times. Nevertheless, there's always been a way back home. For that, I am grateful.  

ENCOURAGEMENT: Don't follow the wrong people, they may lead you astray. Take the time to stop and look around. Sometimes we have to make tough decisions: do the right thing even if it is the hardest thing. If you lose your way, turn around and head home. Remember, the sun always rises in the east and sets in the west.