Muddy Shoes

 I borrowed a few kids to go hiking at Ivy Creek today. It was chilly enough that I questioned the boys' decision to wear shorts. I asked about sweatshirts and gave up my warm hat. I made sure everyone had something to drink before we left. However, I didn't think about mud, and so I didn't notice the mud, and so I didn't warn them of the mud, and so they all stepped right into. 

Two shoes were sucked right off feet. It was messy.

I was trying to think if I've ever gotten upset about the kids getting their shoes muddy before. Perhaps I have, but today I felt quite proud of the muck. Three of the seven of us were wearing new shoes and it didn't change my decision.

Muddy shoes are good messes. They show evidence of a journey. They are marked by a changing season. And they prove that we left the house and spent time in the woods. Sometimes I need that kind of proof in my life to keep me anticipating my next adventure out.