[Proverbs as Parables] Hunter Learns to Walk

Babies are bobbleheads. 

Hunter is a particular baby with a particular walk. I suppose all babies learning to crawl and walk have a particular style. I know one boy who scooted on his butt, holding his feet and pulling them and pushing them to get from point A to point B. For real.

Can you picture a bobble head? You know, those dolls that have a head bigger than the body and is attached with a spring? It swings like it could fall over, but somehow manages to stay upright. 

Hunter is a bit like that. When he walks, his head is in front of his feet…or hanging to the left…or swaying to the right. If he stops, his head can swing backwards. Yet, somehow he still walks and stays upright…well most of the time. 

That’s learning how to walk right? Just charging forward and hoping to keep one foot in front of the other.

Hunter’s path isn’t always clear. Blocks, gadgets, balls, or cars litter the floor making his learning more difficult. Playpens, tables or Dora kitchen play-sets get in the way. 

Hunter stumbles and wobbles. His steps are hampered, not pampered.

Then of course, there are paths Hunter should not walk on his own. Stairwells or escalators. Paths near deep pools or broken glass. Trails leading to fire ants or jagged cliffs. Roads with tough trucks or big buses. Routes by bandits or robbers…not that Hunter would have much of value to steal.

Where do you think a good place would be for Hunter to learn how to walk and not stumble?

Level floors. Straight paths. 

Family Discussion

• Do you remember learning to walk or ride a bike or do a stunt?
• For us, what are these straight paths for learning to walk? (Listening to and accepting words of wisdom.) 
• Wisdom from above is what we hold to, not let go of and guard well…if we want to live well! What is an example of wisdom or good instruction that we can listen to and accept?

“Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.

I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.

When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.

Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.

For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.”

Proverbs 4:10-16