I walked with my daughter one autumn day
Till she ran ahead in the path to play.
I told her to stop and held out my hand
But she wouldn’t listen and on she ran.

The day was warm and the sun shone bright.
So many wonders came to her sight.
The reds and the greens of the leaves that lay
On shaded paths where she ran to play.

So much to enjoy and all so new
Took her away from my hand so true.
It all seemed so pretty nothing to fear
So on she ran – no more were we near.

But she was not wise and did not know
That under the leaves the roots did grow
And sticks and rocks did block the way
Where she wanted to run and play.

So on she ran and fell in the leaves
And got up crying from two skinned knees
And ran to daddy who saw her cry
Knowing I’d love her and dry her eyes.

And as I held her close in my arms
The tears went away and so did the harms.
So on we walked as we had planned
And she held tightly to my loving hand.

She realized now if she stumbled at all
I’d hold her up so she wouldn’t fall.
So on we walked and enjoyed the day
And she was safe the rest of the way.

So often like children from God we run
And heed not His cry in the autumn sun.
We run and laugh and do what we will
To satisfy our every thrill

Ignoring the dangers that lie ahead
Just under the leaves where we will tread.
So on we run until we trip
And fall in the clutches of sin’s strong grip.

And then we call for the Father above
To come and lift us because of His love.
Then things are right – and fear goes away
So we run again from His hand to play.

I pray for the wisdom that I may see
The hazards ahead that wait for me.
And for the wisdom to understand
I mustn’t let go of my Daddy’s hand.