There once was a man who lived in a cabin nestled deep in the woods. He had a precious daughter who was fearless, adventurous, and loved being out in nature. One day when she was little, she had the frightening experience of getting lost in the woods for the first time. Panic set in. She didn’t see the cabin, and didn’t know which way to turn! Crying and wandering in circles, she noticed in the distance an arrow painted on a tree. When she got closer she noticed there was a thin path beaten down in the woods, and upon following it, saw even more arrows on the trees. Eventually she came into a small clearing with a salt lick in the center. It was her father’s salt lick behind the cabin, that he put there to attract deer. She knew she was home!

The little girl then ran into the arms of her waiting father, where she sobbed out her story. Wiping the tears from her eyes, he then told his little girl how he suspected this might happen someday, seeing she was so adventurous and prone to wander. “You see little one,” he explained, “The salt lick draws deer, which make paths. When I saw these paths, I painted the arrows to lead you back home. That way I wouldn’t have to put so many rules and boundaries on you, quenching your free spirit.” And then giving his little girl a big hug, “And I am so glad that you are who you are, and that you are back home!”

“If you do not know where I am, most beautiful of women,
go forth in the footsteps of the flock,
and tend your young goats near the shepherds’ tents.”
~ Song of Solomon 1:8