Ive never been gracefully coordinated. Whether jumping rope or trying the electric slide, I tend to be challenged in the area of balance and coordination. New Zealand is riddled with steep hills and glorious mountains. So while there, any crawling or climbing was silently terrifying to me.
One particular day we had to climb a steep mini mountain. And heres the truth. At the base of this climb I was like, This is steep. This is awkward. I dont want to do this. I might fall. I might hurt myself. I dont have enough experience for this. Argh! How in the world did I get here? How can I get out of this challenge? But right in the middle of those questions were two men that just blazed ahead, not worrying one bit if I was capable. They believed I could do it.
With a huff and a puff, I sluggishly put one foot in front of the other. I noticed if I kept my focus on my feet and the few steps ahead of my boots, I was fine. I kept saying to myself, Just make sure your feet are on solid ground, firmly planted. Dont hurry. Lee Ann, be brave. You can do this. Each step was slightly wobbly, but I made progress. When I focused on the climb, I was confident I would make it to my destination safely.
Now, here is where I had some trouble. When I would look up at how far I had to go, the steepness of the hill, or the risks involved, I got scared. I immediately heard the voice in my brain that said, Lee Ann, you are not equipped for this kind of climb. You fall and youre gonna break something. Have people died climbing this hill? Why am I here? Are you nuts? This is too hard; I wanna turn around and be safe in the kitchen where I am comfortable. I dont belong on this trek. How stupid, that horrible voice of doubt and fear trying to suck the life out of my precious adventure.
Life is a series of climbs, some steep and filled with challenge, with times so hard that right out of the shoot you find yourself saying, I dont wanna do this, this is too hard. How did I get here? How can I get out of this? Oh, but getting out of it may not be an option. Climbing that steep mountain may be exactly what youre supposed to do.
Is your life faced with a steep mountain? Do you feel overwhelmed with the challenges of your life? Whatever the climb, you can do it. Be brave. Keep your feet on solid ground. Believe that the path you are on was set for your feet. Focus on the climb. Dont look too far ahead, fearing and doubting if you are good enough, or capable enough. Do not allow the voice of doubt and fear to rob you of precious adventures. Seize the moment of challenge, even if its hard and not fun at this very moment. See yourself as those who believe in you do. Be confident that you will make it to your destination safely.
After David, Daryl and I reached our hunting spot that day, it was filled with sunshine and beauty. It was worth all the questioning, the challenge. I was filled with gratitude for everything, knowing that it was the path designed by God especially for me. The climb was worth the final destination.
Stik a Fork into good hiking boots, firm steps and believing in Gods path for you.
Lee Ann Miller is a resident of Holmes County.
