carry

Daniel loved to carry things. As a toddler, gigantic stuffed animals twice his size often filled his little hands. As he grew older, he carried larger handfuls of toys and just about everything else he could find. His tendency to carry everything himself caused him to constantly drop something, fall, or bang into a wall. Black and blue marks often dotted his body. Despite the bruises, Daniel never allowed anyone to carry anything for him. 

Daniel and his father crammed a tent and as many supplies as they could into their backpack. They were going backpacking together, and Daniel could hardly wait to begin their hike. He had been looking forward to this special time with his father for months. His mind raced with the anticipation of seeing the breathtaking mountain peaks and listening to the constant chatter of the forest creatures. 

Daniel and his father finally stood at the base of the mountain. Every bit as obstinate as ever, Daniel insisted on carrying the backpack, though he could barely even lift it to his shoulders. An onlooker might have wondered if he had even heard his fathers offer to carry the backpack for him. 

At first, Daniels shoulders hardly sagged under the immense weight. But soon the constant pressure made Daniels neck ache. Daniel tried to ignore the growing pain. 

A few miles later Daniel and his father paused at a small hut a few yards off the path. There Daniels father purchased fishing supplies and some last minute items. Daniel again insisted on carrying everything. He made a pitiful sight stumbling after his father, trying to juggle a backpack, fishing pole, and bucket on his tiny 9-year-old frame. But still Daniel ignored his fathers constant offers to carry his burdens. 

As they hiked to the campsite, Daniels little mind, instead of thrilling at the beauty around him and the opportunity to be with his father, dreaded each new step. His arms felt like they were going to fall off any moment, and his legs ached terribly. Daniel could think of nothing except his fatigued body. 

Father, Im so tired. I dont think I can go another step, Daniel moaned. He loved his father and wanted so desperately to do a good job carrying the supplies, but he felt so tired. Tears threatened to overflow his eyes any moment. 

I know you cant carry all those burdens. Wont you let me carry everything for you? Daniels father repeated for the hundredth time that hour his offer. My shoulders are big enough to handle it all. 

But Daniel marched on as if he hadnt heard his father. He continued to moan and complain and ask his father for help, but refused to let his father take the burdens from his shoulders.

Miserable mile passed miserable mile. Finally, Daniel couldnt stand the strain another second. Take them, Daddy, he whispered. Im not even strong enough to put them into your hands. 

Quick as lightening, Daniels father whisked both Daniel and all the supplies into his strong arms. As Daniel rested his weary head against his fathers strong breast, he wondered why he had ever insisted on carrying anything. From his fathers arms, he could again notice the breathtaking sites around him. He could hear the robin singing and could relish in the invigorating mountain air. Best of all, he could feel his fathers love around him. He felt certain there couldnt be a happier place on earth than in his fathers arms. I will let my father carry all my burdens and me too from now on, Daniel whispered as he drifted into a sweet slumber.