Archery

Archery: the sport, practice, or skill of using a bow to propel arrows; from the Latin arcus. Historically used for hunting and combat. Traditional bows are drawn by pulling the string directly back. The archer looks down the length of the arrow to carefully aim and draws the arrow back as far as possible. The archer releases the arrow and it flies through the air toward the target.
Childhood and youth are a lot like that bow and arrow. Parents strive to teach the child and raise them up to be successful. Children must learn how to win and how to lose. They learn to work and to get along with others. They learn compassion. They learn values. Each lesson draws the arrow back further. In school the child learns skills to make them more successful. They learn the 3 Rs,  history, teamwork, leadership, and many other skills. By the end of high school the arrow is well drawn and the aim is true. The string is released and the young adult is ready to fly. Some things cause the arrow not to be fully drawn. The youth drops out of school or takes a Wrong path. The target is missed. Kids seldom understand and youth believe they are ready to fly. But they need to stick with it to the end and wait to be released. Then they can really fly.
Psalm 127: 4-5
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them