The Watery Path to Knowledge

Invitation to Adventure

When I was growing up, “water park” meant running through the sprinkler when my parents were watering the yard.

Then the neighbors got a Slip ‘n Slide. Who knew that a long strip of wet plastic would teach me some of life’s most important lessons?

The box directed to place the slide on level, grassy ground, which was achievable since the suburb in which I lived had no hills.

The box also instructed to remove sticks and rocks and fill in depressions/holes from the place in the yard where the slide would be set. That was practically impossible where I lived, but I remember the effort we made to scour the ground and pick up anything that might puncture the slide, and shift dirt into the bigger holes.

With the slide laid out, and the hose attached, water began to flow.

Our road of wet plastic paved the way to a fun afternoon.

Living the Adventure

Others went before me, and everyone else seemed to be having fun.

Then it was my turn.

I laid down on my belly and prepared to have a wonderful time.

Since the ground was level, I had to put my hands out into the grass and claw the turf to make my way down the slide. And all I could feel through wet plastic were the sticks and rocks and holes from the yard that we missed in our pre-fun debris removal.

I made it to the end of the slide, pasted a smile on my face, and acted like it was the best thing since — well — since running through the sprinkler when my parents were watering the yard.

Lessons from the Adventure

I recall we “enjoyed” the slide until my neighbor’s father called an end to the fun.

Now that I’m an adult, I think he probably stopped us because he realized a hefty water bill was in his future. Also, it was clear that two strips of grass now lay in dead clumps along the sides of the slide. Along with the crushed grass under the slide and muddy mess created where the water pooled and we tromped over and over.

Perhaps my neighbor’s father learned more life lessons than I did, but this experience taught me a few.

The cynical part of me wants to point out it’s possible that when someone invites you over to glide down a wet plastic slide, their real goal is to get their “guests” to pick up all the debris that might ruin the lawnmower. That’s worth the cost to reseed a few bare spots and wait until the mud dries up.

But the more philosophical side of me learned:

— Sometimes the anticipation of a new adventure is more exciting than the adventure itself. But the sadder thing is to decline the adventure, and deny myself the opportunity to discover something that could bring joy and happiness.

— Something that is fun for others may not be fun for me. But I can show gratitude that I was invited to participate, and be happy that my friends are having a good time.

— No matter how hard I try to remove all the obstacles in my path, I may miss some. And the journey may be rougher than I expected.

— Even though the path may seem level and easy, I still may have to claw and work to reach my goals.

What important lessons did you learn from an adventure?

The Watery Path to Knowledge – What did you learn from an adventure? Share on X

Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.