One time, when Anher was about 10 years old we were at Scout camp. I think it was Camp Rodney in Maryland, and he really wanted to do the canoeing merit badge. The only problem was that there was this physical test that each boy had to do on his own in order to qualify to participate; he had to pick up the canoe and carry it ten feet. It didn’t matter how they picked it up or which direction they carried it.
There was a long line of boys waiting to try it and as I stood in the distance watching I saw boys much bigger than Anher not able to pick it up, or not able to carry it the full distance. I was so concerned that Anher would be disappointed if he was unable to do the merit badge.
When it came time for his turn he walked up to the canoe, which was lying on its side. Without hesitation, with the front of his legs against the canoe, he grabbed hold of the rail that ran along the top of the edge of the side of the canoe (the gunwale – pronounced gunn’-ell) and pulled the canoe just barely off the ground! Then, with great effort he leaned back and started backwards, keeping the canoe just off the ground. One step back … then another … then another, until he reached the required distance and then let the canoe down.
He made it! WOW! I ran the distance between us and when I got to him dropped to one knee so we were eye to eye. He had a great smile on his face; me too. I gave him a big hug and exclaimed, “Anher!" That was so awesome! What a great job! How were you able to do what many boys much bigger than you were not able to do?”
His short answer humbled me as his dad, and at the same time gave me great joy. He said simply, “I prayed.”
It was so impressive and inspiring to know that when the going gets tough, Anher knows where to turn for strength beyond himself.
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timeasmymeasure
not about Ghosts ... but about Prayer
Date: 2006-12-02 04:36 am (UTC)One time, when Anher was about 10 years old we were at Scout camp. I think it was Camp Rodney in Maryland, and he really wanted to do the canoeing merit badge. The only problem was that there was this physical test that each boy had to do on his own in order to qualify to participate; he had to pick up the canoe and carry it ten feet. It didn’t matter how they picked it up or which direction they carried it.
There was a long line of boys waiting to try it and as I stood in the distance watching I saw boys much bigger than Anher not able to pick it up, or not able to carry it the full distance. I was so concerned that Anher would be disappointed if he was unable to do the merit badge.
When it came time for his turn he walked up to the canoe, which was lying on its side. Without hesitation, with the front of his legs against the canoe, he grabbed hold of the rail that ran along the top of the edge of the side of the canoe (the gunwale – pronounced gunn’-ell) and pulled the canoe just barely off the ground! Then, with great effort he leaned back and started backwards, keeping the canoe just off the ground. One step back … then another … then another, until he reached the required distance and then let the canoe down.
He made it! WOW! I ran the distance between us and when I got to him dropped to one knee so we were eye to eye. He had a great smile on his face; me too. I gave him a big hug and exclaimed, “Anher!" That was so awesome! What a great job! How were you able to do what many boys much bigger than you were not able to do?”
His short answer humbled me as his dad, and at the same time gave me great joy. He said simply, “I prayed.”
It was so impressive and inspiring to know that when the going gets tough, Anher knows where to turn for strength beyond himself.