I'm picking up where I left off. My team of 9 had two who were scared. Like really, really scared to go up this rope ladder. They had to be encouraged the whole way up and especially when once on the platform.
But, long story short, they did it!!As you climbed higher, the BARL (you know!) got even more STEEP!!
Here's David, from Indiana. He became my partner in a few exercises in the classroom, and proved to be one of my favorite people of the weekend. He has a CPA firm in Indianapolis, with his wife, Suzanne, and I just can't wait to see what all they accomplish by the next time I see them.
Ok.... so THIS PICTURE RIGHT HERE is probably the biggest Turning Point for me the whole weekend!! I was waiting my turn to go up the rope ladder. (RL of the BARL!) I turned around to watch these people heading up what became known in our group as "the stupid thing". As far as I was concerned, you went up, crossed over, and then came down. I mean, what was the big deal?! It seemed simple enough. Boy was I ever in for a rude awakening! And by awakening, I mean in every area of my life! That story won't make it on the blog tonight either. But just keep this picture in your mind!!
Here goes a few from my group soaring through the air after they bravely stepped off the 60' or so platform. In faith!
See the verticality increasing as the climbers ascend?!
And this is me, looking down, waiting my turn. But still only about 2/3 of the way up.
This is what most of the men did. The women were typically FACING the pole and holding on for dear life!! As I mentioned on my Facebook post, this is my partner, Mr. Gary. He is from Alabama. And just in case he is reading this, he loves LSU! (ha! gotcha Gary. You can do this if it's YOUR blog!) Anyway, he and I decided that rather than having the instructor count, we'd be a big boy and girl, decide our own fate, and we went on our own count of three. The scary part is just knowing you are that high off the ground, and you have to STEP OFF!! Within the first 10 feet, Mr. Gary was yelling to me, "It was only the first step that was scary!" And isn't that just a fine metaphor for life?! It is most often only the first step that is scary!! It is fear that holds people back from going for what it is that they really love. And fear that keeps them from what they feel in their heart of hearts is their true calling!
One last thing before I leave the zip line and take you with me to the rock wall... While I was cruising down, I was facing backwards. I somehow got spun around by the way that the hook was on the line. It was driving me NUTS!! I kept swinging my legs around to try and face forward!! After each event, I would get my phone out and type in the lessons I felt I had learned during that challenge. I thought about how I do NOT like looking back. When I am moving toward something I like, I want to go in eyes full open, facing forward, feeling the excitement. I have never been one to concentrate much on things of the past. I, like probably almost every one of you, have had some things happen to me in my past which could keep my attention and really make me leak energy if I'd give it any of mine. But... I have chosen to look FORWARD at my adventure. Focus on my strengths. Stay the course. Get to the finish line.
And be confident that I have lived a life pleasing to God. One where I didn't bury my talents, rather multiplied them.
MO
4 comments:
ok....I've been reading your blogs for a long, LONG time. This one - by far - my FAVORITE! That last paragraph just spoke volumes to me.....
Have I told you how SAD I am that I'm missing the retreat?!?
Can't wait to read about the rest of your adventure!
Thanks, as always, for sharing so candidly!
How truly awesome. The facing backwards is something I would not have liked and it puts in perspective how much I no longer want to dwell on looking back. October 3rd can't get here fast enough. I cannot wait to see and hear everything!!
Oh Mel, I am SO proud of you! I have always WANTED to do this kind of thing, but can't imagine EVER having the guts to do it like you did! I'm loving these posts!
Oh noooooo! Heck no. Good for you for doing this! Love it's the first step that's scary, good thought. (Ha although it's looking at this that's scary!)
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