Thursday, July 30, 2009

The Summit

You can handle a lot more than you think you can. Recently a triathalon contestant said to me, “My body will say this is all I can take but it is not true, it can take much more. I must will myself to push through because I learned the messages are lies.”
Each day we get up and take another chip at our mountain. The deep mire of the fight causes us to doubt and fret. The fight scares us, it hurts us, and we are tempted to faint, run away, or quit. We do not see what is being accomplished and changed within ourselves, the struggle is pruning off the dead wood. Years pass and then the wonder of looking back will display the array of changes within. What was a mountain to us once now is nothing more than a few hills that trained us for the summit.
Are you struggling at something that seems way too hard? Don’t listen to the lies. You can handle more than you think!

18 comments:

Sylvia K said...

I used to struggle, but I've learned just how well I can handle -- more than I thought possible. It's great at my age to still be able to see the world through young eyes and be able to feel and express joy -- everyday! A very thoughtful post, thank you!

Have a lovely weekend.

Sylvia

Blunt Edges said...

But at some point u will reach a stage where u can't handle anymore right? How do u know its not a lie but the actual threshold?

Arkansas Patti said...

So true. We are all so much stronger than we ever thought possible. Those bumps in the road are just part of the training.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for a lovely message Grayquill! I agree, with will and determination, we can do just about anything.

Betty said...

You are so right. You can surprise yourself at times all during your life. You just have to keep on keeping on.

Grayquill said...

Sylvia: Well, I still struggle but at least I have some road markers along the way that help keep me going straight. Age brings experience and perspective I think. Thanks for stopping by.
Blunt edges: Wow – great question! I would be arrogant to say one does not reach a threshold. But, I think those points are rare. When I look at our homeless population I think maybe some there have hit a threshold. Not to be trivial but a good night sleep has helped my perspective many times. If we could sit and have a cup of coffee together maybe my answer would be different. Life is complex I can in no way give a universal answer that will apply to every person in every situation. I will answer in a principle – When one has hope the threshold may never come. It is what keeps a person going. If he thinks he can’t he can’t. If a person believes God is good that is a key in maintaining hope. Do you believe God sifts all situations through his fingers before allowing them into your life? I do.
For young men, I think a friend who is old and wise is very helpful. And, of course friends who listen and are supportive are also helpful. Men in particular isolate when trouble comes – isolation is a great hope dissipater. These are a few ideas I hope came close to hitting the mark. I would invite you to email me.
Arkansas Patti: Spoken like one who has been there. Hind sight is sure helpful, aye?
Thethoughtfultrain: Attitude is so important, sounds like you keep yours in clear perspective. Determination and the will not to give up can often carry us through. Our will power is a pretty powerful force. I think I like you already. Thanks for stopping by.
Betty: When we surprise ourselves are not those times, times we learn to like ourselves a little more or at least trust ourselves more? Great comment.

Dianne said...

"don't listen to the lies"
Amen to that one my friend

I just read a post today where the writer was talking about all the reasons she always had to NOT do something/challenge herself/try until she realized that all she really needed was the one reason that made doing it important

Holly Kay said...

Great message, Grayquill. In addition, I love your comment about how God sifts situations like sand through his fingers before bringing them into our lives...simply beautiful.

June Saville said...

GRAYQUILL
I want to agree with you absolutely, but I can't quite make it. Yes, we can certainly go further than we think we can. But some bodily messages must be heeded. Like pain. The trick is to pick the fraud. Agreed?

Grayquill said...

Dianne: Purpose is indeed a great motivator maybe the greatest - great point - thanks.

Holly: Thank you, I am glad you are back. And your latest post was hilarious as usual.

silverine said...

This is so true! More often than not, we are our greatest stumbling block! We need to believe more in us and also have the courage of moving out of our comfort zones. And then we will see the possibilities ahead! Great post.

Anonymous said...

I like you too Grayquill!! :-)

Anonymous said...

This is so very true...I read it thrice...I am so wowed by it...

Grayquill said...

June Saville: I agree with you in both a physical sense and an emotional sense. We are given pain for a reason – to ignore pain would be foolish. Sometimes our fear, feels like pain – that I would say is one the frauds. Some pain when pushed through leads to a greater strength. Great comment and insight

Silverline: Comfort zones – there always has to be a trouble maker in the group – now you are getting a little too close to home on that comfort zone comment :)) For sure, we are our own stumbling block - Great contribution – Thanks.

Thethoughtfultrain: Well isn’t that nice!!

Choco: I am wowed you read it thrice – You made my day, twice!!!!!!!!!!

A journey called Life said...

ohh this piece has come at such an oppurtune moment.. every word is so true..
whoever coined 'its all in the mind' was not wrong..if i think i can , i can..
thanks so much for a lovely, crisp and precise post

Grayquill said...

A journey called life: Thank you for stopping by. I think you will.

Tall Guy said...

Not many realize that its the limitations that one sets in one's mind that prevents them from achieving what they want.

Sometimes one can surprise oneself!!

Grayquill said...

The Survivor: Well said.