Adventuresome Squirrels
The still lake wrinkled slightly as sunlight streamed through the trees. Overhead a bright blue sky glistened. Trees stood motionless, and bushes remained like statues. I was enveloped with tranquility while I rested on my patio in the early morning.
A movement across the lake caught my eye. Limbs of a tall pine bounced up and down followed by the next tree and the next. I spied the culprits. Two brown squirrels jumped from limb to limb and tree to tree—chasing each other in a game of tag. Their antics made me smile. Their courage amazed me. Climbing the towering pines was no small feat for such tiny animals. Jumping from tree to tree with no harness or safety net was alarming to me. Finally, they dropped to the ground and scampered off apparently unharmed by the experience.
A noise on the roof above me was followed by the rustle of leaves. I turned in time to see another squirrel right himself, skim down the trunk, and scuttle away with no ill effects.
The adventuresome squirrels were much different than I would have been. I would probably have stood at the foot of the tall trees and thought of a multitude of reasons for not climbing to the top. Too high and I might fall. Branches were unsteady. Limbs were too far apart… If the squirrels had done that, they would have missed the fun and excitement of their game of tag.
While I should not take unnecessary risks, I should sometimes look at new ventures with anticipation instead of worrying about possible obstacles so I do not miss the fun.