Scaling A Mountain

by Susan Lavigne

Ienjoyed a variety of sports, including soccer, until I hurt my back at the young age of twenty-nine. It was then that I realized I needed to try some “less dangerous” sports, so I took up rock climbing. That may not sound “less dangerous” to some, but with the proper equipment, good safety instruction, and trustworthy people on your safety line, rock climbing is a very safe sport. There are four key components of rock climbing that relate to our everyday lives.

Rock climbing is more the art of balancing than climbing. Our lives are meant to be lived in balance too. As a physical therapist and wellness instructor, balance is an essential skill I teach, especially to my older clients, to keep them from falling. There must be a balance in the muscle strength of opposing muscle groups as well as flexibility for good posture. We are told to eat a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, grains, and meat for a healthy diet, and we are told to balance our activities with sleep, work, and play for a healthy lifestyle.

Another essential part of rock climbing is having a person whom you can trust on your safety line. Everyone needs trustworthy people for those times when you feel like you are “hanging on by a thread.” Do you have people in your life readily available to help when you need them? Are you that person in someone else’s life? Ecclesiastes 4:12, “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

A good rock climbing experience also relies on good communication. You must communicate with your climbing partner when you are climbing, and you need his/her full attention and knowledge of safety skills. Open and honest communication is essential for every type of relationship.

Finally, with life and rock climbing, it is important to have a secure anchor. In the case of rock climbing, you make sure that your rope is secured to the rock you are scaling. Anything less than a secure anchor and you can fall, really hurting yourself or the people in your climbing group. For Christians, that anchor should be none other than Jesus Christ. Isaiah 26:4, “Trust in the Lord always for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.”

So, the next time you feel like you are scaling a mountain in your life, check to see if you have proper balance, strong support, good communication, and a strong anchor in place. When your faith and hope are anchored firmly in Christ, you will increase your chance of surmounting any of life’s challenges.

About The Author Susan Lavigne attends Cornerstone Church. She is a Christian speaker and songwriter. Feel free to contact her at susanclavigne@gmail.com.

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