Stretching...

A few weeks ago, a few friends re-introduced me to rock walls.

For someone terrified of heights and falling, these are perhaps a very bad idea. But, for someone who likes a challenge, who likes being physically and mentally stretched, they're quite a lot of fun! For me, the one who falls into both camps (terrified and liking a challenge), they are quite terrifyingly intriguing.

But the interesting thing about rock walls is that as you are climbing, you often times have to move a foot from a secure pivot, through a moment of uncertainty, and stretch to reach a new foothold. Often times this feels incredibly dangerous, risky, and well, if you hate heights, terrifying.

But here's the catch: unless you stretch, take risks, and move from security through the uncertainty, you will never reach the top of the wall.

I think the same thing is true in life as well. Often times, we are more comfortable on our secure pivots and grips, and unwilling to continue to stretch. And we might achieve mediocre views, relatively good heights, and the safety and security of our comfort zones. We will temporarily have a strong grip on life: it will feel manageable, even under control. But eventually, our arms and legs strength will give out, and we will fall from that mediocre height because we will have never truly reached the "safe place" at the end of the climb.

In the end, settling half-way, even though it seems less risky and less dangerous at the time, is never truly a place of safety or security.