Meditation
We were sitting around the campfire, recounting a good day, when “Jim” spoke up. He was a 40- something man, whose life had some unexpected turns, and he ended up living on the streets. Jim was just completing a one-year rehab program with “graduation week” being conducted at Warm Beach Camp.
Jim went to our 40-foot climbing wall—he was oriented, harnessed up, and climbed with the assistance of our recreation staff. Part way up the wall, he became very afraid, panicked, and was brought back down to the ground.
He wanted to be done, then and there. The facilitators encouraged him to watch and hang around for a bit. Jim did just that.
After watching things for a little while, Jim said that God helped him to realize the following:
a. Climbing the wall was hard work.
b. The instructors were there to guide, support, and help him.
c. The gear was strong, and capable of fully supporting him.
d. God had given everything he needed to go to the top of the wall. His fear kept him from using what God had given to him.
Jim went back to the climbing wall, trusting his guides and gear, he worked hard and made it to the top.
Jim went on to say that because of fear, he would “bolt and run” in life. As he graduated from Union Gospel Mission, he had an experience on the climbing wall that showed him God’s provision and care in this world. He was determined to live in the provisions of God rather than be stuck in his own fear.
Jim’s experience, in many ways, is everyone’s experience:
a. Living life can be very hard work.
b. People and resources have been provided to support us along the way.
c. He provides the gear we need to be fully supported in life.
d. God is the one who gives us what we need.
I choose to set aside issues of fear and anxiety, and like Jim, I choose the life and resources by following God through His Son, Jesus Christ. If you are tempted to “bolt and run” on life, think of Jim, and get back on the “climbing wall” with the right support and gear.
– Ed McDowell
Executive Director
Warm Beach Camp
