I had an "aha" moment the other day while rock climbing, shortly after hitting the ground after my last try on a top rope course.You need to understand that I'm not an experienced rock climber. I had done it once before, in this same safe, controlled inside facility. So even making it part of the way up the wall was a bit of an accomplishment for me.
And so there I was, about halfway up a 40-foot wall trying to follow a specific route so that my daughter wouldn't call me a wuss, like she had a few minutes earlier. And at that midpoint, I decided I was done. I lost my confidence when I looked for a next foot placement, and I hollered down, "I give up. Ready to come down." I had convinced myself that halfway up was an accomplishment, and that I should be satisfied.
My friends and family -- notably Natalie, who was my belayer -- responded in a way that froze me in my tracks, clinging to the wall. "NOOO! You can't give up now! Just lift that left foot up to the next spot, it's right there. You can do it!"
The encouragement from my group was enough to give me pause, and reconsider my decision. I just held on for a few seconds, catching my breath and letting their words build me up. And then I told them I was going on.
One step, then another. A short pause while eyeing what was left of the wall and the route that could get me there.
And after just a few more minutes, I was at the top, making contact with the very top in a celebratory way. I did it!
So .... that "aha" moment: Somewhere during the process of taking off my harness and turning in my rental equipment, gathering my belongings and walking to the van, I realized the similarities between my journey up the wall, and our journeys through life.
Sometimes in life you feel all alone. Maybe you're not literally hanging on a wall, but you might be stuck in a situation that feels like the mountain of all mountains. Just remember, there's always someone holding that rope for you. There's someone out there who wants to cheer you on. There's family, and there's friends. And even if you feel like you're without friends, or even family, God is with you. Every step of the way.
No matter how skinny that ledge of the mountain is, there's room for God to be right beside you. Even when you feel like you're in the middle of the ocean with no boat, Jesus is your life vest.
Find those friends who can help you reach the highest of heights. Lean on those family members who want to guide you on your journey. And trust that God will be with you every step.
"There's no shadow you won't light up, mountain you won't climb up, coming after me." Reckless Love, by Cory Asbury
