Climbing the Hill

Today I was asked to share a favorite childhood memory. Some of you may know that I tend to cringe when it comes to picking a favorite. So I went with the first thing that came to mind. It was inspired by an activity from last evening.

A hike up a hill (at Antelope Island) with some girlfriends and coincidentally enough- two brothers. As we traversed my mind reflected on the times I "climbed the hill" with my brothers.

The house I grew up in- 605 Rinaldo St. was across the street from a foothill that was the gateway to "the mountains" (at least as we knew them).

A favorite summer time activity was to climb the hill. Being the youngest and only girl I had to fight my way to play with my brothers- literally. I was never into dolls or playing house and when I got a Barbie for my birthday from a friend one year I attempted to play with it, but really just didn't know what to do with it, so I stuck it in a drawer. The majority of my childhood involved me playing tag along (and being tied up, wrestled, made into a Heather sandwich, and being locked out of my brothers' room). Climbing the hill was no different- even at a young age I wanted to go and managed to convince them that I should come along. The part of the memory that I love the most was that when we climbed- one went in front and the other stayed behind me. I don't recall if it was specifically spoken- but it was to ensure I made it up and down safely. From that simple act I have always known that my brothers love and care for me and will always be there if and when I need them. They could have ran ahead or foraged on their own and rid themselves of the tag along but... they stayed with me instead. I was able to climb with confidence, security, and joy. Part of that joy was being included and cared for.

Besides the beautiful representation of my relationship with my brothers, I am struck with this image for other reasons. 1) Do I run ahead chasing and fulfilling my own selfish desires when there maybe someone near me who needs what I could offer? 2) I am reminded of my other elder brother -the Savior. There is no road He has not trod and has promised that if we have faith and trust in Him, He will safely guide us and literally walk with us no matter where we are. Consequently, we can have confidence, security, and joy being included and cared for in the fold of Christ.