There was once a servant and his master. The servant loved his master very much, and wanted to accompany him everywhere. The master was kind and loving, and treated the servant like his own son. One day, the two went for a walk in the woods. The servant was afraid of the woods, but he felt secure because the master was strong enough to protect him from anything they might encounter. As they walked, however, the master stopped and turned to the servant.

"My dear loyal servant," he said, "I am going to withdraw and walk a bit further away."

"But why?" the servant asked, afraid he had done something to offend his beloved master.

"We walk these woods often," the master said, "and yet you have never learned to walk them yourself. Because I love you, I want you to grow and mature in your abilities. I will not be far away, and if you call to me I will hear you."

The servant was worried, but acknowledged his master's wisdom. The master disappeared between the trees, and the servant continued down the path. Occasionally he caught glimpses of his master walking nearby, but he was usually out of sight. The servant was frightened, because the forest was large and he was weak, but he knew that his master would protect him from anything that might harm him.

As he walked, he suddenly came upon a small snake in the path. He leaped back, terrified, because his master had always been the one to remove such obstacles from their path. "Master," he cried into the surrounding area, "save me!"

"Do not be afraid," the master answered, "for I am with you."

"Please," the servant begged, looking around for a sight of the one who could help him, "I can't do this on my own!"

"You have seen me kill many serpents," the master answered. "And you have always said that you wish to grow to be like me. I know you are afraid, but I also know that you can conquer your fear."

The servant acknowledged to himself that his master was right; he had often expressed the desire for courage and fortitude. His master wanted him to attempt this to help him grow, and he decided that he would try. His master knew what he was capable of, and so while the servant did not think himself ready, he trusted in his master's wisdom.

Carefully, he approached the serpent where it lay on the ground. With his new mindset, it seemed smaller than it had before. He looked around for a weapon, then realized he already had everything he needed. His own boots, given to him by his master, were sturdy and strong. Raising his foot tentatively above the snake, he brought it down, crushing the dangerous creature beneath it.

As he took a step back, he contemplated the dead serpent. In retrospect, it was not as frightening as it had been before, nor had killing it been as difficult as he had imagined. He felt extremely pleased that he had been able to conquer his fear.

As he stood there, his master emerged from the trees. "Master!" he cried out joyously, "You were right! I was afraid that I could not do it on my own, but when you allowed me to try, I was able to conquer my fear!"

The master smiled. "Well done. I am proud of you." The two continued down the path, the master leading the way as he continued to speak. "Do you think you could have managed to crush the serpent had I not withdrawn?"

The servant thought for a moment. "No," he answered finally, "If you had been standing there, I would have expected you to do it. I could not have found the courage to do it myself."

The master nodded. "There will be other times that I will withdraw my presence so you can face a difficulty." Seeing his servant's worried expression, he smiled gently. "Do not be afraid. I promise I will not allow you to face anything for which you are not ready. But if you trust that I am always with you, and continue on the path even when you cannot see me, you will be rewarded as you grow in maturity and are better able to follow me wherever I lead you." He pointed toward a distant mountain, obscured by fog. "With time, you will be strong enough to come with me even amongst the rocky crags."

The servant was doubtful. "But the mountain is tall and treacherous. I might fall."

The master smiled. "That is why we start here. As you grow, you will be able to face larger and more formidable obstacles, yet still defeat them. But for today, follow me here," He gestured to the path on which they walked, "and do not worry about what tomorrow will bring."

Smiling in understanding, the servant nodded and followed his master as they continued through the woods.