Monthly Archives: December 2012

“Life is an adventure or nothing at all.” I love that quote from Helen Keller who was born blind and deaf.  Cindy and I live this out daily. For the day of our 20th anniversary we decided to celebrate by getting into a new sport: paddleboarding. We had tried once before and got hooked.  So we went again to Carlsbad Lagoon close to our home in San Diego.

Much in life is paralleled in the paddleboarding experience.  Here are some lessons I learned.

• Be balanced. – Even with such a big board it takes effort to stay centered. It is the same with life.
• Keep a smooth flow. –  I tried to muscle my way through paddling and it just got me tired.  Long full strokes it what makes the board work. Keeping focused on long term goals and plodding on is what moves us forward in life.
• Enjoy the view. – You can see so much standing on the board.  In the same way,  look around and see the beauty God is placed all around you.

Twice a year my wife and I are teacher’s assistants for Biola’s Rock climbing classes.  As I train others to overcome obstacles of rock and fear I find that I am learning so much about myself in the process.

I Need Help

I come from a hard working independent “get R done” background.  The philosophy was you make it happen, no matter how hard.  I find myself trying to do things on my own and gutting it through.  However in Rock Climbing you need a belayer who holds the rope for you.  They keep you safe when you fall and you can depend on them. When I am in trouble, I need to find and depend on people who will be there when I fall. It is so valuable to have an accountability partner who knows you at your weakest and accepts you for who you are.

I Need Encouragement

Rock climbing is just as much about spiritual strength as it is physical strength.  On the climbing course we take students to a friction face climbing area called Hall of Horrors.  On a couple of climbs the handholds are so small that a quarter sized nub is considered a bombproof hold.  However the biggest obstacle is actually fear.  We have helped beginner climbers make it up these intense 5-10 climbs by encouraging them each and every step of the way.  The students are so shocked when there climbing shoes seem to stick to a sheer face.  And they are elated when they finally make it to the top and scream in triumph!

In the same way we all need encouragement as we face insurmountable obstacles in our paths.  For me it is the daunting task of fund raising.  My position is fully supported by donations of ministry partners who encourage me every step of the way.  in every aspect of my life i need people who won’t let me down off the rock until I accomplish what God has intended for me.

I Need Mentors

Dave Bedell is our climbing instructor.  We call him Dr. Rock.  He is a wise sage when it comes to the outdoors and to life itself.  His wisdom, encouragement and patience has helped many a student to experience breakthrough on the rock.  And those breakthroughs led to the courage to overcome all of life’s obstacles.  Each of us needs a Dr. in our lives who can encourage us and give the wisdom we need to experience the full life of Jesus.

I encourage you today to reach out to others to help encourage you on your journey.  And encourage somebody else on the way.  You may already be somebody’s mentor.