The Travellers & The Bear

Once upon a time, there were two men traveling together through the mountains, in a spot right at the edge of the timber line where trees had no leaves. Silence was, except for the crunch underfoot of the two men, and the occasional distant snap of a stick falling from a branch that could take no more.

All of a sudden, as if a mist formed it with magic, a bear was waltzing straight their way! Panic sat in as one man shoved the other down hard, then ran and shimmied up a nearby tree. Unfazed, the bear continued to move straight purposefully. When he was upon the fallen man, he paused, but only for a moment, to whisper in his ear before continuing on his way. The men stayed there frozen, watching the bear evoporate from their sights; gone, disappeared, just as quickly as he had appeared. When reality set back in, the man in tree shouted down to his traveling companion"What did the bear say to you?" "Oh, he said I should think twice about travelling with people who'll run out on me, rather than stand together." Moral of the Story: When our situation is dire, the sincerity of our friendships are truly tested.

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Personal Reflections

This was a tough week, in the best way. I got up before the sun every day this week, intent on living healthy; physically, mentally, and spiritually.

As many of you know, I've been in the process of starting a new life chapter this year.

Going from one kid to two. New job on the horizon. LOTS of changes happening faster than ever. LOTS of unknowns. But I am feeling gratitude today.

My reflection on this fable led me to connect with my feelings that it's ok things are little scary, but then I remember God is in control no matter what. He will never leave me, even in the most challenging times (Deuteronomy 31:6-8).