Saturday, December 29, 2012

ANOTHER MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB

My girlfriend is ice skating in Colorado with her grandchildren. She wrote this morning about learning how to fall. I'm praying she doesn't.
I often wonder how many times I've been afraid to fall. How many times I've taken the safer path, just so I didn't fall. How many times in my life I've been afraid to try something because I might fail.
Another friend of mine wrote to me about getting off the bus. Down in the trenches. You can't see much from your lofty, safe, warm (or cool) seat on the bus. 
The mountain in the picture above reminds me of the times I've been standing in front of that mountain. Knowing there was no way around it. I had to climb over it to reach the other side.  Without a map.
The older I get the easier it is for me to stop trying to control my life. I pray over every decision I make. Even the small ones. I no longer wake up with an agenda. I have an idea and usually lots of things on my calendar, but nothing is set in cement any longer. If plan A doesn't work out, there's always plan B. Knowing that the Lord is always with me, knowing I'm praying all day long to stay in the center of His will is actually what keeps me going. It also keeps me full of joy and thanksgiving.
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

2 comments:

Carol Garvin said...

In years gone by I didn't mind falling but I'm very cautious now... a broken leg or hip would be very debilitating! But speaking figuratively, you're right. Fear of failure often prevents us from trying at all and thus from finding success.

A plaque sent to me by Keli Gwyn a couple years ago says, "Life is all about how you handle Plan B." In my writing journey my "Plan A" didn't work out and so far I haven't tackled a "Plan B" as I wait on God to let me know what it is. "... faithful in prayer."

This is an excellent reminder for me as we approach a new year. Thanks, Katt!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I actually fall a lot. What I find works best is if I pretend it doesn't hurt. I am constantly on the lookout for positive reinforcements, like happy photographs, or funny movies, or hanging out with upbeat people. Like you, Katt. And Carol. The mountains seem to get smaller that way.

Happy New Year!