Walks On the Dock

A young boy walked hand in hand with his father down a narrow dock. The wooden walkway stretched into the lake for miles, or so it seemed. The walk was treacherous, each step taking enormous courage, thought and trust. Feeling his fathers pulse through his grip, he held on tight to the only thing he trusted and found comfort it.

While holding on, he went to places never possible alone. He was excited yet scared. Each step represented a significant part of his life, some good and some bad. As the boy looked back, the long narrow dock pointed back to the shore that seemed so far away. It was at that moment the boy wondered how frightening it would be to be stranded at the point with no hand to hold, no security, and no hope.

He looked up to his father to reassure himself that Dad was still there. His father's solid forearm and strong grip signaled comfort and safety to the boy. His sure footing lay a path of confidence and trust. Not once did his father hesitate or tremble. He was the rock who stood firm and mights in his son's eyes. As the boy watched the reflection that glazed off the water, all he saw was blue sky, which lightened his heart in the midst of his journey. Suddenly the boy realized something wonderful---his father's presence was needed for him to feel safe in his journeys. What a truly wonderful gift. As he grew, he envisioned the possibility of his father's everlasting presence even when his father was gone.

At that moment, his grip loosened and his hand fell away from his father. A sudden rush of terror and weakness swept over the boy. Instinctively, he rose to scream for his father's hand to return to his. Mysteriously, his voice was silent and his will confident. He stood tall as his father walked ahead to the end of the dock. A new sense of energy filled every fiber of the boy's body. With his father in sight he alone could walk and feel sure of his way.

Only ten steps ahead of him his father stood. Smiling, he looked back and motioned for the boy to join him. The boy's new found hope was sufficient for his steps to be straight and purposeful. The once narrow dock now seemed as wide as his front yard at home. Waiting for him was the outstretched hand of his father. With each step the boy grew closer and closer to the end of the dock. His father had appeared warm and inviting. Their hands joined in a heart felt embrace. Strength, faith, and gratitude expressed themselves instantly.

Knowing that someday his father would be gone from his sight, he looked up and said, "Thanks Dad, thanks for always being there for me."

As they turned to walk back an amazing thing happened. The boy's father disappeared and the boy suddenly became a man. He was now faced with the task of walking back by himself alone. Memories struck him like lightening as tears flooded his eyes. He could feel those walks from the past in a dreamlike way.

Filled with emotion, he took his first step then another and another. The once treacherous journey now seemed so effortless. Standing tall and confident his heart smiled. His steps were sure and light. His mind was overcome with trusting memories from the past. As if in slow motion, he savored the flavor of those many walks. He reviewed the many lessons of life his father had taught him on that dock. As a final tear of joy rolled down his face, a voice suddenly broke the silence. "Dad, Dad", the voice of his young son echoed, "Can I hold your hand?"