Love the metaphor of the caged bear. I've been thinkig a lot on this as my firstborn heads to kindergarten. I grew up in public schools and was glad for the experience in the wider world. But I do feel so much has changed in culture since I was little. I feel a lot of fear especially with things like the possibility of sometime letting the kids ride their bikes on their own. I feel like I would have to put some GPS on them or something, but then I don't like the idea of being overbearing. I'm trusting God will give wisdom on how much to let go as they get older. Good thoughts from Linn above about being more careful with certain friendships that seem less safe. Also, I'm training my kids to be very open with us in case of intimidating situations outside our home. I didn't know how to communicate some friend issues to my parents when I was younger, and if I had, I would have been able to draw back more easily from some negative situations.

Found you at "Write It, Girl". I echoed your words here on a Vespa ride with my brother back in May. I am such a wimp, but he got me to try something just a teeny bit dangerous. ;) Hope you had fun and conquered some fear today.

You have quite a way with words! I love the first paragraph, especially the depth of meaning in the last two sentences: "Whatever sand and rocks await them, the water will both surrender and subdue. What is left of the mighty wave when the rocks are done with it? What is sand, but stone pounded fine by crashing waves?" And the way it so powerfully demonstrates submission/surrender....beautiful.