Boy In A Tree

When I was a boy when I was growing up
Life was so simple then, life was so sweet
Now that I'm older I am wise as a fool
I keep breaking those golden, golden rules
- "Dolphins Make Me Cry" by Martyn Joseph

I've gone so far from my home
I've seen the world and I have known
So many secrets
I wish now I did not know
'Cause they have crept into my heart
They have left it cold and dark
Growing Young by Rich Mullins

My aunt sent me this photo recently....


I started thinking about that little boy in the tree. Back then he didn't have a care in the world. He knew nothing about student loans, car insurance, or the sting of rejection. He was content running around the neighborhood and finding new trees to climb. It would be years after he climbs down from that branch before he gets a job and learns about responsibility. Years before he discovers the pain of losing a friend. All he wanted to do was explore, yet he didn't know where his 'sploring would take him in the future.

Man, I miss that kid. I miss the innocence that once existed. I wish I could go back and give him some advice. Let him know a few people to trust more, a few to trust less. I'd tell him a few girls to acknowledge more, and few to avoid like the plague. He would hear about saving money, studying harder, and to avoid fast food.

But knowing that kid, it wouldn't help. Sure he would listen, but he would want to find out for himself. He might think twice about a few of the tips, and who knows it might save him some heartache or put some extra change in his pocket. And really, if he were to alter too much in his path, that boy might not turn out as well.

What am I saying? Who really knows? I guess I just want to be up in that tree right now. I want the feeling that all there is to life is spending time with friends, and seeing how high up a tree you can climb. I want to know that I haven't disappointed or abandoned the dreams of the little kid in the tree.

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