4 adults, 6 kids and the endless possibilities of a pontoon boat. Growing up in Michigan we have the best memories of the water. We've been privileged to explore on the big lake, the bay and all of the smaller inland lakes and tubing is one of our favorite water sports. As we set off through the no wake zone the kids buzzed around the boat with excitement, eagerly anticipating the adventure. We continued out of the no wake zone and into the gorgeous turquoise water of Lake Lanier.
Once we'd tested the speed of the pontoon we took volunteers for the first tuber. I loved seeing Alyvia's hand shoot up like a rocket as she exclaimed she would love to try it out. It amazes me how fearless the heart of a child is from the beginning. She had never been tubing and yet she was willing, even excited, to put her little life in a tube and hang by a rope off into the deep lake water. Her wish came true and she led the team with the first ride.
Her smile, before and after her first tubing experience, exclaimed her delight in the opportunity to explore out on her own. You could sense the feeling of accomplishment she had and I knew she learned a valuable lesson. She learned that she has what it takes to take chances and to move regardless of risk. As her dad I hope that we can continue to reaffirm this and that she will press into experiences and relationships that have an element of risk. I also hope that she will learn that in those times she doesn't have to rely on her own strength to get through. I hope she finds that there is someone that would love to step in and walk alongside her on the journey.
We continued on our wild adventure with tubing and finding our own private island for lunch and exploration. All the kids launched themselves into the deep blue water and swam into the shore to experience what was waiting for them there. They laughed and splashed and dunked. It reminded me of the many fond memories I have with my cousins on the water. All around the Detroit metro area swimming, in what as an adult may be suspect water, with my family. Also tubing around the lake in East Waterboro and hoping not to get duck rash with my Maine family. I can still remember so many of the ridiculous things we did and the special memories we made together. I love that my kids are getting the opportunity to make their own special memories with their cousins. Through exploration in the wild I believe they are learning critical life lessons. They are learning how big creation is and with that how incredibly diverse. They are also learning that they've been invited to explore and that they don't have to fear. Some of the most important learnings have been how to build meaningful relationships, how to resolve conflict, and how to put others desires ahead of their own.
It was a great day to be on the lake. In every direction it appeared as if the lake was only ours (one of the serious benefits to going on a Monday) and the weather couldn't have been better. Yesterday at the lake was like a gift to me. A little gem I found that I hope to treasure into the future. It was life giving and also sun burn giving. We had a blast!
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