Where You Are Is Safe

My heart sped up a bit as I looked 300 feet straight down over the edge of the cliff. A little nervous about our resting spot, I inched closer to my five year old, Joseph, making sure he was within arm's reach.

While in Las Vegas with my wife's family for Thanksgiving a few weeks ago, my brother-in-law, Matt, took me, two of our boys, and one of their cousins climbing in Calico Hills, an enormous escarpment found in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in the mountains just west of Las Vegas and only a short drive from his house.

We had made our way to our resting point by scambling up narrow ravines, climbing rippled layers of red sandstone, and hiking along the ridges of fossilized sand dunes. For the most part, the find-your-own-way hike allowed us to create a hike easy enough for the kids. However, a number of times we found ourselves in some steeper, class 3-type climbs that tested the boys and made this dad a little nervous.

On the way up, I followed behind Joseph in case he slipped. On our way back down, I went ahead of Joseph, offering help when needed, but truly trying not to be TOO overprotective. Having fallen behind the others, Joseph and I were alone for a moment as we descended a steep crack in the sandstone. As I tried to show him the safest way down, he said to me, "I step where you step, dad, because I know that where you are is safe."

Since we were on a man hike, I had to hurry and blink away whatever it was that had caused the sudden moisture in my eyes.

I was touched by his expression of trust. I was also struck by the analogy to our mortal journey through life. In all the difficulties of life, it is important to follow in the Savior's footsteps. He is the Way. If we go where He is, we will be safe.

However, the moment passed quickly. A few minutes later, we reached a flatter area where the terrain opened up, and my son's commitment to following in my footsteps was forgotten as quickly as I was in the relative safety and the excitement of wanting to race around like his cousins.

I was a little disappointed to be tossed aside so abruptly. Yet, I couldn't help but notice that the change in circumstances only broadened the metaphor I was experiencing. We can be so quick to forget Him when the trail smooths out. Even after experiencing His guiding influence, divine intervention, or broad-daylight miracles, it can be so easy to slip away from the path He walks when the fun of our friends' activities calls.

Looking back, I am grateful for the trust my son expressed to me as his father that day. I am even more grateful for the perspective my Heavenly Father offered me. May we commit to follow in the safety of the Savior's footsteps and have the dedication and discipline to walk where He walks not only when the path is difficult but when it is smooth.