Jordan at the River

On a crisp autumn morning, Jordan laced up his boots and set out for the forest near his home. It was his favorite place to explore, especially when the leaves turned red and gold. He carried a small backpack with a snack, a water bottle, and a map he barely glanced at. After all, he’d been here a hundred times before.

As Jordan hiked deeper into the woods, he heard the soothing sound of a river. It was a place he loved to visit. But when he reached the riverbank, he noticed something strange. A large tree had fallen across the trail, blocking his usual path. He stood there for a moment, unsure what to do.

“I’ll just go around,” he decided. He stepped off the trail and started making his way through the underbrush. At first, it seemed easy enough. The ground was soft with moss, and he could see the river sparkling in the sunlight. But soon, the bushes grew thicker, and the ground turned muddy. His boots slipped, and branches snagged his jacket. He kept pushing forward, but it felt like the forest was closing in on him.

Before long, Jordan realized he couldn’t see the trail anymore. The river was still nearby, but he didn’t know which direction to take. He stopped, his heart pounding. For the first time, he felt lost.

He took a deep breath. “Okay, think,” he told himself. “The river flows downhill. If I follow it, I’ll find my way back.”

Carefully, Jordan walked along the riverbank, watching his steps to avoid slipping on the wet rocks. It wasn’t easy, but the sound of the flowing water calmed him. After a while, he spotted a familiar bend in the river. Relief washed over him. He knew this spot! From there, it was only a short walk back to the trail.

When he finally reached the trail again, Jordan felt a mix of pride and exhaustion. He’d found his way, but he’d also learned something important. The next time he went hiking, he’d stick to the trail and pay closer attention to his map.

That night, as Jordan sat by the fire with his family, he told them about his adventure. His dad smiled and said, “Sometimes the path gets blocked, and you have to find another way. But it’s always better to be prepared for the unexpected.”

Jordan nodded. He knew he’d never forget the lesson the river had taught him: staying calm and thinking clearly can help you find your way—but preparation makes the journey much easier.

By Jason Campbell

01/07/25