Living in the Death Zone

I've never climbed in the Himalayas but I've read a lot about those who do. And there is an area generally above twenty-five or twenty-six thousand feet that is poignantly known as the Death Zone. It is so named basically because at that altitude there is a variety of conditions that if not overcome will simply kill you and likely do it quickly.

Of course the most obvious one is the thin air and even with supplemental oxygen the body won't perform with its usual efficiency. And because one's faculties are typically impaired a climber is then more exposed to falling, various forms of edema and other potentially fatal results. Weather is also likely more extreme and dangerous, causing many climbers to bivouac in places where survival is unlikely at best.

A very small percentage of climbers ever experience the Death Zone of the highest mountains in the world and for good reason. It's just too dangerous.

However, in life there are some reasons to actually live in our own Death Zone of sorts. In fact, we can't avoid it. It's living knowing that at any moment our life on this earth could end. We could be gone or someone we love simply won't be around. Morbid? Creepy? A little out there perhaps? Yes, in some ways.

But I have a close relative who is most likely going to die in the next few months or so, barring a miracle that of course our entire family is praying for. However, whatever happens it has made us all think a bit more about whether we would be ready to face the same ourselves. What would we do if death were looking us in the eye all of a sudden? 

I think the answer gives us some essential things to think about doing now without living in some sort of dark, fearful place in the process.  Let me suggest a few. 

First, make the most of every moment you can. No, none of us can savor each second of every experience, but we can slow down and enjoy people and opportunities a bit more.  We can quit cramming so many things into our lives and running by people we love as though they are hardly there. We can stop and watch our kids and grandkids longer, spend a few more minutes with a spouse or friend and just enjoy little special moments of nature that occur every day all around us.

Second, take inventory. Be brutally honest about how many things you're doing that really matter for the long-term versus those that are just because everyone's doing them. Yes, there's nothing wrong with leisure, goofing off now and then and simply having fun. But are we letting the temporary push aside the eternal and the things we think we should invest in for our gain steal time from the people we want to invest in because we love them?  Have we pushed the most important things and experiences into the I'll-do-them-someday-when-I-have time category?

Third, say what you want to say now. I've often thought we should have everyone's funeral before they die if possible. That way people can say to another's face what they want to say about them and would likely say once they're gone. Well, in a sense and in the same way we would be wise to say what we want to say to people before one of us is gone. Do we need to forgive, tell them we love them or that we are proud of them, let go of some past hurts or remind them of how much they meant to us?  Do it now.

Paralyzed By The Fear of Change

We moved a couple of months ago. It's why I haven't written on this blog for a couple of months. We packed up our stuff, departed Austin, Texas a place we loved, and headed for the Midwest. And we love our new location, the smaller town, less traffic and for now great weather. (Oh yeah, winter is coming).

But I have to admit change is hard. Some of the fear is simply knowing all the effort it will take. Moving, for example, requires getting used to and finding new relationships, new service providers and new surroundings. Let's face it - it would be a lot easier to stay put.

Most change on the surface seems like the harder option. Add to that the struggle that we are currently facing, the personal mountain that has us sucking air and we're ready to avoid change at all costs.

But change is an important part of life and a vital component to getting healthy and staying healthy. Change is more than inevitable. It's essential for growth and healing.

So how do we best deal with changes we know are coming.

First, learn what you can before the major change occurs. Get as much information about where you're going or what you're going to be experiencing or who you'll be connecting with. Knowledge matters and frees us in many ways.

Second, embrace the change by figuring out how to maximize its benefit. Find out some ways to have fun in the change. What could you do to add some variety or something special to the process?  On some of our trips up north we took some extra time and saw a few sights along the way. Now that we're here we're exploring every week, finding new things to do and see.

Third, be patient. Remember that it will take time to adjust even with a great attitude. Relationships aren't built overnight and you'll have to grieve what you lost from leaving the last place or giving up the old way.

The good news is that change is your friend. In fact, it can be the glue that holds you together while y ou face the next part of your mountain. Like the waiter hoping for a tip, the best words you want to hear are, "Keep the change."  Keep some in your life. It won't kill you.

Are You Really A Winner or Not?

I watched two vastly different scenarios this weekend during the Winter Olympics. One athlete came from out of nowhere and won the gold. The other was expected to win or at least medal and didn't even come close.

Who won? It depends. In human, Olympic terms, the gold medalist won. The other was a disappointment at best. But the real winner will be the one who responds with a winning attitude.

What would a winning attitude look like?  Certainly it would not be without sadness. After all that work, training, money and time given to the pursuit of a medal only an automaton would not feel great emotion in missing out on a prize. But a winning attitude can still bring great outtcomes and benefits in the months and years ahead.

Four time World Champion Christopher Bowman never won a figure skating medal. Neither did Rudy Galindo or Nicole Bobek. In professional sports, Charles Barkley, Dan Marino and Ted Williams didn't win a championship either.

But those who don't win the big one, don't summit their Everest or McKinley, can still win in life.  What will it take?

First it requires thankfulness. How many people actually get the chance to be in the Olympics, the championship game or on the slopes of an 8000 meter peak? For the rest of us, how many people get to live to be our age, have the advantages or relationships we have or enjoy the education, experiences and blessings we have been given? Be thankful for something.

Second, it requires a healthy view of oneself.  If our worth is tied up in our achievements and accomplishments then that worth can be snatched a way in one loss of an edge, one missed basket, one failed exam or one setback to our health. We must know that our ultimate worth only comes from the One who made us. No one can take that away.

Third, it requires humility. When others outperform us, when someone else gets the top prize or is more successful we must humbly let them have their moment, celebrate with them not in spite of them. Maybe you need to encourage someone else right now as a way to actually live this one out.

So if you feel like you "lost" something this week, month or year, if that goal you were reaching for slipped away at least for now, still enjoy the moments you've been given. Don't be paralyzed. Let this loss challenge and motivate you to keep going and to never quit climbing. Someday you'll be at the top of some mountain and the view will be worth it!

The Black Holes That Tend to Defeat Us

I'm not much of a scientist. Ok, I'm not at all a scientist. I hated biology, struggled with chemistry and almost failed physics. But I have heard of black holes in space. And while I'm sure they are complicated essentially their strong gravitational pull drags everything around them into them. In fact the term black hole is now used in everyday language to describe anything that continually consumes resources, time or energy.

Unfortunately, there are lots of everyday black holes in life that particularly hinder those of us who are climbing, climbing our own personal mountains, trying to overcome big-time challenges and the like.

Let me suggest a few as a warning and to perhaps help you separate yourself from one or more that are holding you back.

There is the black hole of your past. The things that were said about you, the disappointments you had, the goals you never reached or the failures you experienced. They  have a way of sucking the life out of us so that we never try anything, stay stuck in a dead end job or continually just dull our pain.

There is the black hole of denial.  There are things you need to face, deal with, change and admit but you keep looking the other way never wanting to face your own culpability, weaknesses and flaws.

There is the black hole of blame. In your denial, you spend much of your time blaming other people.  If only they hadn't acted or spoken a certain way your life would be so much different. And maybe that's true but your continued blame of them has you paralyzed. There are things you could do, make better and change about your thinking but your focus on others keeps you stuck.

There is the black hold of comfort. Changing, improving, overcoming and getting to the summit all require work and you're pretty comfortable where you are. You're like the people who stop at the chalet going up the mountain to have some hot chocolate and rest. The problem is they like it there so much they quit climbing and never go any further.

Do you see the problem with black holes?  They are the kind of thing that keep sucking life, energy, hope and peace out of us. Maybe you have different ones than those I've described. Face them and then destroy them. They have no right to run your life or stop your progress. Ask God to give you insight, wisdom and strength to keep going.

The black holes in space are probably there to stay but yours can be gone if you'll just demand it.

Sometimes a Little Fire and Heat Are Necessary

Tomorrow my wife and I get on a plane for San Francisco. After a couple of days there we'll drive to Yosemite National Park for a week of anticipated vacation, hiking and picture-taking. The problem is there are wildfires that have currently entered the park and caused hundreds of acres of damage. And while the valley has not had any fire in it per se, there have been days when the winds have blown smoke into the valley covering the beautiful peaks and cliffs.

If that happens while we're there we're going to miss out on the gorgeous views and inspiring hiking and be hugely disappointed.

However, we have to remember something important about what is transpiring there even though the cause of the fire appears to be manmade. Sometimes fire is necessary or at least helpful in the middle of beauty because it provides a natural clearing of materials that will in the long run be harmful, not helpful. Sometimes dead brush begins to pile up on top of the lush ground and will eventually be either a deadly hazard for the next fire or keep the vegetation from growing effectively.

I've seen officials in beautfiul parks in the Midwest light controlled fires to burn away that extra, needless and harmful brush so that the living vegetation can grow as it should.  But for a while, it's not pretty. The charred remains of that brush hardly look appealing or attractive.

That can often be true during our life climbs through illnesses, family challenges and personal struggles. Often there is a fire of sorts that comes out of nowhere. It adds heat, conflict and temporary ugliness to our  lives and may have even been needlessly caused by someone who was careless.

Sometimes . . . not always . . . but yes, sometimes, those fires will be for our own good and will help burn away some of the things holding us back from growing and actually climbing higher.

For example, those fires can burn away false expectations. Sometimes we are still living in past, with an old picture that we're still demanding return when in reality in never will. The fire can help us see a newer picture again and let go of returning to day that are gone.

Fires can burn away our distractions. Often we become obsessed with getting even, getting healed, returning to the past or finding an answer to "why."  But those things are usually keeping us from focusing on the present where we need to be to continue climbing well and moving forward.

Fires can also burn away unhealthy emotions. Some of us are still living with anger, despair and panic about things that can't be changed.  When we let some of the emotions go along with the reasons for them we can start climbing more freely and minus a great deal of weight that we've been carrying around.  We can see God again in our circumstances and trust him for new expectations, a new picture and new emotions.

So, are there some fires burning in your Yosemite?  Try to put them out, perhaps, but let them do the good things they can do. It will help you to keep climbing higher and better.

Overcoming, Like Climbing, Is Always Risky

I remember one of my first attempts at any serious rock climbing. A group of young dads had taken one of our kids out to Colorado for a four-day weekend adventure.  One of those days included some climbing and rappelling all under the tutelage of some experienced guides.

The main route that they had set up for us was pretty challenging, at least for us, and we spent a good part of the day doing the route or watching others tackle it. But after a while, the guides told us there were a couple of other routes we could try if we wanted a little more challenge. So a friend of mine, a body builder, strong-as-an-ox kind of guy, and I decided we would go for a little more.

He started up the one route as I looked on. And I saw him struggle significantly, especially at one point in his climb, but eventually he made it. So now it was my turn. And sure enough I got to the same place where he had difficulty and saw no way to make it any further. To do so would require a significant go-for-it moment that I was pretty sure I was not going to succeed in doing.

Of course I was safely roped in.  Missing the move wouldn't kill me but it might mess big time with my pride and personhood. Nonetheless, my friend encouraged me on. And within a few minutes I was touching the top of the ledge with a big smile on my face and some new confidence and pride in my soul.

A lot of us as we climb through life may find ourselves stalled because of big challenges or moves in front of us. We may feel like turning back or giving up. The risk might seem high and perhaps it is.  But will you ever get to the next step of your journey if you don't try?  Could you be missing out on a level of satisfaction, happiness and fulfillment that you would never have by staying put?

Even in your difficulties what will be the benefits of turning back or giving up?  There aren't many, if any.

What keeps you from going on?  Fear? Lack of confidence? Past failures? Pride?  Don't let those things paralyze you.

This week, this month, this year, take a healthy risk that you haven't taken before.  Try something new, meet some new people, go serve someone else, go for it. Let the encouragements of friends spur you on but trust the power of the rope - God, others, past successes.  Remember the view from the top is worth it.

There is a Place For Faith in Climbing

Maybe I'm just overly sensitive or perhaps I'm really on to something but it seems like faith, believing in God and living one's life by a higher moral code are dirty words these days. The media certainly seems to adhere to that view since they rarely write positively, if at all, about religious organizations or people (Tim Tebow comes to mind here).

Television and radio talk shows, except for a few with a conservative bent, are filled for the most part with celebrity guests  who are all about themselves and have little use for a higher power, even those stars in rehab.

But there's a problem with this fear-of-faith perspective.  We live by faith all the time. If you're a climber you certainly know what I mean. You have faith that your gear will not fail you, that it will hold you while you're hundreds of feet up a wall. You commit to it, whether you like it or not. In everyday life we put faith in our chairs, cars and stairs. We are not certain that any of them will not be a part of injuring us, but we readily use them anyway.

That's why it's at least intellectually more honest and while climbing the mountains of life more helpful to leave ourselves open to faith in something or better yet Someone bigger than we are. Mountains certainly remind us of that every time we climb. You don't have to become a religious fanatic to consider believing in God and what He might do to help you live more fully and joyfully.

But it is possible that you will discover that God is actually your rope, the One who keeps you from truly falling to your death, who helps you overcome and live beyond the hum-drum of everyday life.  But you say, "But I'm not certain of a God or that He will at least keep His promises."  True, but remember you're not certain that your gear will always work. But you trust it anyway using all of your rational capabilities to choose the best and to make sure that gear is climbing-ready.

So today if you are a person of faith, then let that faith help you climb higher and better. Test the power of "the rope" like never before and reach places that you thought you'd never reach.

And if you have put faith considerations aside think about giving faith another shot. Maybe it will be reading a Bible, going to a church, talking to a friend or just praying on your own. You decide. Nonetheless, you will be at least giving yourself an opportunity to climb through life with a perspective, joy and fulfillment that you have never experienced before.

And when you realize that God is a rope who never fails, you just might wonder how you climbed without Him before.

Distraction Can Be Deadly

I was coming home from church today and drove my usual route through our condo complex headed to our place. However, about three buildings down from where we live I saw a beautiful (at least it had been) BMW automobile smashed into some support blocks near another unit. The blocks were scattered all over the street and the front end of the car was demolished. The car would need to be towed.

As I turned around to go find out what had happened, I saw a young girl inside next to the blown airbag. She was crying and holding her hands in her head. I asked her if she was alright and she seemed to be physically fine, but her emotions were a mess.

I asked her what had happened and she simply said, "I'm so sorry, I was texting."

We've all heard and  hopefully heeded the many warnings and public service announcements about texting and driving. I'm sure this young lady wishes she had listened better. But this blog isn't about texting. It's about being distracted.

Distractions take lots of forms but they are all potentially harmful. We can get distracted from the things that really matter in life and which truly count by a lot of things: getting more stuff, complaining about life, selfishness, living in the past, accomplishments, status . . . make your own list. It can be pretty long.

And when the least important things take precedence and we get distracted by them because we've given them greater importance than they deserve people get hurt. Our families suffer, our spouses suffer and we suffer.  We miss out on special moments that we could have enjoyed. We don't progress and overcome the challenges of life. And we spend countless amounts of time and energy on things that really don't amount to much in the end.

What's distracting you these days?  Who's paying the price as a result?  You can change things, you know. Start focusing on what really matters. Put down your phone while driving, yes. But put aside those things that you need to keep your eye on in life, too. Remember, distractions can be deadly.

Whose Name Is Most Important?

On a recent day off my wife and I were walking around two large outlet malls near Austin. And while I'm sure I've seen them before, I couldn't help but notice this time how many stores and their products focused on one name: Guess, Prada, Gucci, Coach, Liz Claborne, Polo . . . the list is long.

And of course there is nothing wrong with wanting quality and nice things but I saw scores of people go into each store willing to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for items that they could have bought comparable ones for somewhere else for far less money.

It was pretty evident that they were willing to spend their hard earned resources largely because of the name.

Let's face it, a name matters. There's something powerful and fulfilling about having a name that people respect, value and honor when they hear it. It certainly helps when you're trying to sell something. But far more important is that we live our lives in a way that our name elicits the same kind of positive response.

How does that happen? Well first, we do our best to be people of integrity. We don't cut corners, we have each other's backs, we don't live our lives merely for our own personal gain. We do what is right in the little things and when no one else is looking.

Second, we add value to the lives of others. We try to make them look good, we do what we can to help them be successful and we let others brag on us, not ourselves. We look for opportunity to serve others and give them credit for doing well.

Third, we do what we do with excellence. If we sell a product, write a blog or provide a service people must know that we do it all well. We send the message that we want them to return again because what we gave them was something they desire more of in the future.

Remember, it takes a long time to build up a name, develop a reputation. But as we see almost weekly in the news, it only takes a moment to ruin one. Be sure you're concentrating on celebrating the right name. And then make it one that people will remember, respect and revisit.

Slow Down

I was sitting in the airport the other day waiting for my flight and saw a man with his computer on his lap. However, as I looked more closely I realized his fingers weren't moving and he was asleep! He was apparently trying hard to finish his work but his exhaustion had won out.

I was reminded that a lot of us live that way much of the time. We push and push and push with little room for margin and sometimes our body just has to catch up. Unfortunately, other things get behind, too - our time with family and friends, moments to just relax and opportunities to think about faith, purpose and our direction.

We will never return to the good old days of fewer choices, less frenzy and not so many distractions. But we can take control of our schedule in some ways that could prevent burnout, unnecessary stress and collateral damage to our physical, relational and emotional health.

Travel for work less if you have a choice. Even removing one or two trips each month will make a difference.

Clean up your schedule. It's likely that there are some things you can consolidate or simply say "no" to that would simplify your life. Perhaps your kids can share rides with someone else, maybe you can do two things on the same trip that used to require two. Maybe one of your hobbies needs to take a break for awhile.

Be intentional about including break and rest times in your week. Do you exercise or at least get out for a walk? Do you ever just stop and drink coffee without having work on your lap or nearby? When's the last time you and your spouse just did something for fun?

Like our body needs sleep, so does our mind. See that your body, soul and spirit are being nourished. They cannot go full bore and not be damaged somewhere along the way.

Take inventory of your life. Are you accomplishing anything that matters?  Are you really doing the most important things or are they just ideas that you hope to do someday. Guess what?  Someday rarely comes. 

Are You Worried About Too Many Things At Once?

My grandson has one of those interactive games that talks back to you as you make your way through varying levels. At one point in the game, the voice responds with. Let's focus on the trouble spot.

When I heard that I thought, "That's something more of us need to do when we're going through hard times, when our emotions may have the best of us and life is overwhelming."  Focus on the trouble spot or at least the one that is causing us the most anguish right now.

So often we have lots of things to worry about on our life journeys and climbs, but it will help if we can give the most attention to the biggest concern and leave the others for awhile. It's part of the idea I've discussed before - climbing our mountains one step at a time.

So what would focusing on the trouble spot look like?  First, it means making sure we've identified the major trouble spot. If you're married you might want to talk about that with a spouse. If you're getting counseling talk about it with your therapist. Or just make a list and see which item is the one you think about most.

Second, once we know what the trouble is, consciously put some of the other things on hold. They may still have influence on your life but just tell yourself and others that you're not going to give them any time or intentional energy right now.

Third, starting learning more about how to deal with the troubling issue. Again you may need outside help but give yourself permission to throw more of what you have at this one thing and deal with it to the best of your ability. You will likely sense that you actually are making progress and that alone will help motivate you to continue with other areas later.

Remember, emotional paralysis is one of the main thing that keeps people from overcoming and winning over the tough things that life throws at them.

So listen to the voice that says to you this week, Let's focus on the trouble spot. It's the voice of truth and remember that Jesus said the truth will set you free.

Even Food Is Better In The Mountains!

Where have you had some of your most memorable meals? Your favorite steak place? The restaurant of a world-renowned chef? As part of an exotic cruise? A huge family holiday dinner? Those kinds of places hold great memories for me too but they're not the best ones.

My favorite meals have generally been lunches . . . eaten on the slopes or summit of a mountain. The meal wasn't fancy by normal standards . . . a sandwich, nuts, fruit and chocolate perhaps. The beverage was usually water or Gatorade. But it was all wonderful. Partly, yes, because the exertion made most anything taste good. Nevertheless, it wasn't the food that I remember most. It was always the view.

I've often hiked or climbed with one or both of my kids and sometimes my wife. And we still say that we've had lunch in some of the most beautiful places in the world. That's what we remember. While we ate the food we drank in the scenery. It's one of the reasons I love the mountains. Little stirs the soul and fills you with energy like the majestic, typically unending scenery in the Rockies, Alps or your favorite mountain region. Not enough people enjoy experiences like this especially when they are climbing their own personal mountains.

Even in hardships we can stop and enjoy beauty that will help give new perspective, connect us with God and refresh our attitude. We need a new setting when we're going through rough times and if it's possible we need to take some time, get out of our struggle for a day and eat a meal up high whether it's alone or with others. And if we can't go up, go out to some special place of beauty.

And while studies show the importance of family mealtimes, I'm convinced that every family needs to have a few meals together above treeline. We would be wise to simplify our lives, lower our demand for more stuff and serve up a few lunches that have views we will never forget.

You may not remember what you had to eat but you'll never forget what you saw. And you'll likely return home filled up with much more than food.

Finish Your Climb Well

David Ragan was in the NASCAR race of his life at the Daytona Five Hundred in 2011. He'd led much of the race and the announcers were explaining all the ways he could win the thing. Yes, a few of the big names were looming but he appeared to have the race in the bag.

He'd raced 498 of 500 laps and was nearing a victory in one of the biggest auto races in the world. But at the restart of the last two laps he was disqualified for switching lanes early. It was something he clearly knew the rules about but jumped early and it cost him the race.

He didn't finish well. And while the beginning and middle of a race or climb are important, completing the journey and doing it well are vital. In fact sometimes the ending is a life or death issue. Remember Dale Earnhardt at Daytona. He tragically died at the end of the race.

Sometimes climbers make the summit but die on the way down due to error, being tired, negligence or all of the above.

And in life we can spend years building a reputation and can lose it in a moment. We must finish well.

Sometimes when life throws a huge mountain of illness, family struggles and losses we can become mean, bitter, angry people instead of walking through and over our challenges with class, grace and hope. Don't go there. Whether it's getting through your chemo, finding a new job or repairing your marriage walk with integrity and strength.

So here are some tips on finishing strong. First, prepare well. Do your best early in the race, climb or your personal mountain and put yourself in position to have lots of energy, endurance and power at the end. Pace yourself, take your time, know your limits and save something for the finale.

Second, don't get overconfident. Being strong, assertive and bold are all wise and typically helpful but cocky climbers are often dead ones. Just because you've made it most of the way doesn't mean you should coast or take it easy.

Third, stay focused on the goal or finish line. David Ragan knew better but lost concentration and made a glaring error that I'm confident he will regret the rest of his life. While we need to rest and take breaks, we must keep reminding ourselves that the whole race, the entire ascent is important. Don't lose sight of the ultimate goal.

Finally, keep other strong people around you who will urge you onward. Race car drivers draft for each other, climbers belay and quarterbacks need their linemen. We're less likely to fail at the end if we have a team who will work together to get there.  Team members also hold us accountable and keep us sharp so we don't have a last minute lapse that can cost us everything.

So, wherever you are on your journey, commit now to finish strong. There will no doubt be people, events and circumstances that you can't control but you can determine how you'll respond to those challenges. Start well, stay balanced, remain focused and count on your team.

And never quit climbing.

The Truth Will Set You Free When Climbing

Famous playwright Oscar Wilde once said, "I love acting. It is so much more real than life." Hmm . . . clever quote but I'm not sure he was right. So many people live a lot of their lives and even climb their climbs without being very real about their abilities, limitations and uniquenesses. And in the long run, they get hurt by covering up who they really are and pretending they are something or someone they are not.

When I was more actively sport climbing, I would watch these young and more able climbers knocking off their 5.10's, 5.11's and harder. And at times I would be a little embarrassed to walk back to my easier routes knowing I wasn't as good as they were. I was secretly hoping they would think I was in the same category as they were.

But the truth of the matter was that I simply didn't have their youth or skills. The good news was that I didn't need to be like them. If you're a big-time climber you need not be asking yourself why you're not more like Ed Viesturs or Chris Sharma. But you should ask yourself why you're not more like you! God made you the way you are and all you can do is be the best you can be.

If you're climbing a personal mountain like cancer, don't long to be more like the relative or friend you know. Climb your own route at your own pace. If you're grieving, grieve your way. If you've lost a job, learn  from others in your search but blaze your own unique trail to find another one.

When it's all said and done, life is enriched by having all sorts of different people in your life and others will be better by having you around them, too. So accept who you are, where you are and how you got there. There may be some parts of your journey or climb you'd rather change but that's all in the past now.

Your weaknesses, mistakes and limits will actually help you learn to do better in the future and avoid upcoming pitfalls.

So climb on with courage and authenticity. You don't need to fake it. Admire and respect those who are ahead of you. Encourage those who may be behind. But whatever you do, be who you are!  You matter.

Keep Your Current Challenge In Perspective - There's More!

It was five o'clock in the afternoon where I lived. I was wide awake. However, I was in Moscow so that meant the time during my sleeplessness was two in the morning. I was with a team from the States helping with a worship conference.  We'd all been busy, had lots to do and needed our sleep.

Unfortunately, after a couple of good night's sleep, the jetlag was playing games with me. Even an extra portion of my usual sleeping medications didn't help.

Jetlag has a way of showing up when you least expect it.

I also knew that the conference was actually starting the next night and I had a day of writing and other preparations ahead of me. I tossed and turned, got up several times, read for awhile as my wife slept nearby. It was tempting to get mad and worry that I wouldn't have the stamina to handle the next several busy days well.

Our other life struggles can be like that, can't they? We're doing well on our climb and we've overcome some pretty big challenges. But the current setback, obstacle, or surprise that overwhelms us seems to be taking us over for a time. "Why now?" we ask. And usually there's no good answer to that question. It just happens. We can't change it.

I don't know what sleepless night or unexpected boulder you're facing on your climb right now. But if it feels like it has the potential to overwhelm you let me offer a couple of suggestions affirmed during my night in Moscow.

First, remember this is only one night in your life. This moment is one small part of the big picture. It shouldn't and can't define you. You've had other great opportunities, other victories, and you'll have more. But this moment is what it is. Live with it. Endure it. Make the most of it.

Second, don't forget you've been through tough things before. Before my son Tim and I climbed our first 14,000 foot mountain, Long's Peak, I also had a terrible time sleeping. I was anxious about the unknowns of the mountain even though I'd read many articles about it and felt as prepared as possible. Nonetheless, I think I only slept 2-3 hours that night.

Nonetheless, the next day we rookies climbed Long's with all its challenges. Some 12 hours later we had summitted and made it back to the trailhead. I often think back to that day during hard times and remember that I did something big on very little sleep. I say to myself, "Look, you climbed Long's on very little rest so you can get through this too."

We need some watershed moments to look back to that will help us through the hard nights.

Third, use the time for something good. When you're up in the middle of the night you might as well get up and read rather than get mad because you're having a rough time. The same is true when life gives you a restless time or a mountain to climb that you didn't plan on. Remember that challenges can teach us something. Use this time for good, make something out of the bad day. Go serve someone, develop a new idea, take a step you've never taken before even while you're facing a hardship.

So if you are experiencing a challenging time right now, open your eyes to bigger things, something that perhaps God wants to teach you or a lesson you can learn that you might have missed otherwise. The dark night need not overwhelm you.  The light will come soon. But never quit climbing.

Use What You Have To Best Climb Your Mountain

I was watching ESPN's Game Day recently where fans stand behind the hosts for two hours rooting for their favorite team. Of course the crowd is always filled with lots of homemade posters but I saw one I hadn't seen before. It read, This Is A Poster.  Yep, it sure was a poster. And I'm confident those who made it just wanted to be funny but you have to admit they weren't very creative compared to the others.

Their sign reminded me that a lot of us settle for the easy way or simply don't try using the resources we do have on our personal journeys. When it comes to artwork I'm not very creative or talented so my poster wouldn't outshine many others but I could have done better than that one I saw on television. In the same way, many of us climbing our personal mountains need to think about what we DO have that can help us go higher rather than giving up and doing the bare minimums.

So what resources might we have available to us?

First, we have other people. Yes, it's easy to think that we can't accept the help of others, but successful people rarely do everything alone. They take advantage of the good hearts and resources that others usually want to share with them, especially when they are facing hard times. In fact, we steal from the joy they could have by assisting us with their ideas, resources and time.

Second, we have ideas we haven't thought of before. Sometimes challenges actually can motivate us to try things we've tried and consider using our life in ways we never dreamed we could serve.  Mountain climbers do this kind of thing all the time.  I regularly read books of climbers who were attempting to conquer mountains or routes that had never been overcome. Most of the time, they had to get creative and try something they hadn't planned on to really be successful.  Maybe you need to get creative if you're going to keep going.

Third, we have the inspiration of others who have gone before us. We need to regularly talk to and read about others who have walked our trail before us. Their successes and perspective can inspire us to not quit, give us ideas on how to make it and in a sense walk beside us on our journey.

So, as you climb, remember you have more resources with you than perhaps you thought. Never quit climbing.

Sometimes We Need To Look At Mountains From Above

Recently Jackie and I were flying back to the U.S. from Moscow. A number of hours into the flight I decided to check the seatback travel locator to see where we were and noticed we were over Greenland. I've made this flight many times before but usually there are too many clouds to see much below.

However, I noticed that people on the right side of the plane were looking out their windows taking pictures. So I quickly headed a few rows to the very back of the plane where I knew there were two small windows. The picture here is one we took and as you can see it took out breath away. The majesty of those mountains from 36,000 feet was amazing and we'll never forget that view.

It reminded me that sometimes we need to have that kind of view when we're slogging our way up our own personal mountain. I don't know if there are many places one can get to in the middle of those mountains we saw but imagine what it might be like. An explorer there might feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of the peaks and the extreme weather that surrounded them.

We can feel the same way on our own journeys. And while we will still have to keep going and endure the rigors of our climb it is usually helpful to see our struggle from another set of eyes, from the airplane view so to speak.

How do we do that?  Well, first, talk to someone who's climbed before you. They can often help you see the big picture in ways you can't and give you some hope that you can make it.

Second, read things from experts who can give you ideas on how to be more successful.  Often they have insights and ideas from their study that can shed light on how you can more effectively finish your climb.

Third, pray. My understanding and experience is that God doesn't necessarily take our mountains away but is more than willing to help us, give us guidance and offer strength and other resources.  But as the Bible says, "we don't have because we don't ask."

All I know is that it's more likely that we'll give up and quit if we only see things from our limited point of view. So if you're feeling overwhelmed because of the challenge of your journey, look up or at least talk to someone who can see things from a higher perspective.  You have be admit the view we saw was pretty amazing.

Climbing Helps Us See Ourselves and Life In Perspective

Most of us like to feel important. We love to think we're doing better than the other person and have been more successful. Let's face it, deep down inside we want to be at least a little better than the other guy, right?

But there's nothing like a huge piece of granite, a mountain, to help you feel pretty insignificant. Or watch some climbers on El Cap in Yosemite and they look like ants if you can even see them. We're not as big as we think we are when we're set next to something huge.

And that's good sometimes.  Let me suggest why.

First, it keeps us humble. Arrogance and false pride are typically pretty ugly. Confidence is one thing, but cockiness is another and not very attractive. Humility keeps us centered and helps us enjoy assisting others not just ourselves.

Second, our smallness reminds us that there is something or Someone bigger than we are. It's pretty hard to look at the majesty of the universe, much less the mountains, without thinking that there is a reality and power bigger than we are. When we feel like our personal resources are tapped it gives hope to think that there's more out there to draw from.

Third, we are reminded that there is always something bigger to conquer. Our problem may seem huge but someone else always has something worse than ours. And if we overcome our struggle, we can find encouragement to tackle the next one knowing it hasn't been easy.

So next time you're in the mountains or even looking at the stars, take in the greatness of everything around you. Embrace how little you are in comparison.  It doesn't make you insignificant. It's just that more amazing that you do matter. Climb on.

Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference In Climbing?

I wonder how many mountain and rock climbers think prayer is important? I have no idea. I've never done a survey or seen a study.

However, I have a hunch that many pray at least when they get in a tight spot, experience a sudden fall or face an unexpected thunderstorm.  Similar results may be true for those who face a mountain that life gives them.

Some may trust God implicitly and believe He really does care about their struggle. Others may not surprisingly wonder why God didn't intervene if He's so loving.

So let me offer a few thoughts about the place of prayer in our climbing. First of all, it would be wise and certainly can't hurt to look for God on our climbs. I mean, no matter where we're climbing, we have to admit that those walls, those rocks, those mountains and our circumstances are clearly bigger than we are. All that we see around us certainly wasn't put there by us!

Second, God also gave us brains to use to prepare well, make good decisions and not be foolish. I would guess that He tires of people all of a sudden praying to Him to get him out of messes they could have avoided if they had just been smart and better prepared. Yes, I believe He still does bail us out at times, but we'd have been smart to invite Him even earlier into our preparation.

Third, prayer is only logical if there is a God who is personal and still interested in His creation. This is where I think actual climbing in the mountains helps us remember that. The grandeur, majesty and size of the mountains speaks to a power much greater than mankind could ever produce.

So, as you climb, try talking to the One who created it all. If you've not done that before, at least give it a shot. I can tell you that from my experience He's willing to listen. He wants to know you and have you know Him. And He wants to be your fellow climber as well.

You Live Longer In The Mountains!

A recent study suggests that living in the mountains can cause you to live longer (http://bit.ly/iiIYRF). I'm not surprised. There's always something that happens in me when I'm in the mountains and climbing that is invigorating and renewing.

And yes there are others who can tell you more about the scientific reasons and accompanying studies. But let me suggest a couple of very practical benefits toward longer life that take place whether we're climbing rock and granite or the mountains that life brings us.

First, we are reminded that there is something, yes in my thinking someONE, who is bigger than we are. People of faith are usually more hopeful. That doesn't mean (though a few extremists suggest it does) that life is always great or without problems for those who believe in God. Rather, knowing that we were made for a purpose and that our Creator actually cares makes a difference in how we view our existence.

Second, in the mountains we tend to slow down more. Life can be hectic anywhere but when we go to higher altitudes the pace tends to back off. When we're on a trail or wall we don't have to dodge cars, answer texts and talk to more than a few people if any. That time to ponder, to put aside the urgent and to re-focus can lower tension and anxiety which no doubt helps lifespan.

Third, when we climb we accomplish something of significance. Sure, it may not matter to some but it's a big deal to us for a reason. And every person longs to do something important and when we do we look at ourselves and life and the everyday things differently.  When we've taken on something big we know the next time that there is hope to do the same.

Finally, in the mountains we meet fellow climbers. I've always enjoyed connecting with people on the trail to share a brief story or experience and even to continue climbing together. The same is true while climbing life's mountains. That's why support groups work for most people. We need to have people who have walked the trail before us or who will climb with us.

So, wherever you live, get to the mountains all you can. And whatever mountain you're climbing be encouraged that the climb will have many benefits, maybe even that of living a bit longer on this earth. That's worth something isn't it?