Climbing Walls.

“What are we doing this for?” I thought to myself as we entered the climbing facility. My heart began beating more quickly as I put my legs through the stirrups of the harness. With climbing shoes that make bowling shoes look good, I abandoned all thoughts of appearance and kept my focus on the climb to come. 

We were at the third-largest climbing wall in the country as part of the parent weekend at our son’s wilderness program. When my turn came, I admitted my fear but was determined to participate and go as high as I could. My comfort with heights has decreased as my years have increased, plus I was not sure my legs or arms were ready for what lay ahead. Still, I was determined. My hand reached for the first hold, while a foot found its place. Then, step-by-step, I began to climb. Focusing only on the next step, I did my best not to look down or up. I thought of stopping many times, but, much to my surprise, I made it to the top, and the achievement left me satisfied for the day.

Sitting off to the side, watching as others really struggled, while others made climbing look like physical poetry, I couldn’t help but celebrate the numerous definitions of success. Rather than measure or judge, I watched in delight as a woman did her best and her son encouraged her from a foot and a half below.  The sound of a once-estranged father and son giving each other a high five was sweet music. Even the expert showed his dependence on his partner below. I couldn’t help but think how life should be more like what I was experiencing.

If we were to encourage people no matter their ability, celebrate all levels of achievement, and find the humility to depend on others, how different our lives would be? Whether climbing high effortlessly, or struggling to find the courage to put on a harness, our willingness to climb and share that experience with others could literally change the world.

Yes, our legs might shake, hands get sweaty, but there’s a hold within our grasp, just as there’s a rope attached and a faithful partner ready to catch us if we fall. Too often I let fear dictate what I do. Too often, I climb alone. Maybe learning that was the reason we came to the climbing wall.