Thursday; May 29

On this day in 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzin Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest.  That sounds kind of cool doesn’t it.  But let’s think about that for a little bit.  Seventy-two years ago, two men were the first to reach the summit of a mountain that is almost 30,000 feet in elevation!  This was before modern protective equipment.  This was before today’s tactical gear.  This was before advanced logistical assistance was available.  Basically, the Hillary party just climbed up the tallest mountain in the world.  Now that is more than cool – it is impressive!  As I think back on accomplishments like this, I can’t help but think about how the single most important aspect of their quest was their willingness to do it.  How many times had people told them it was impossible?  How many times had they heard about the dangers (including the risk of death)?  How many times had they been laughed at or mocked?  Yet, they made it and lived to tell about it!

As I think back on the quest to concur Mount Everest … and so many other remarkable feats, there are a lot of factors involved, but the single most important qualities are a belief that it can be done and a willingness to do it.  Interestingly, this is the same qualities it takes to overcome any obstacle – whether it is something as grand as scaling a mountain or as commonplace as overcoming an addiction.  It doesn’t matter if it is newsworthy or known only to us, the only way will be successful in our quest is if we believe and we are committed.  Is there something you are hoping to conquer?  Sure, it is nice to have the support of others, but the biggest asset anyone of us can possess is a belief that it can be done and a commitment that we are going to do it. 

Now, what mountain are you facing?  Are you ready to start climbing?

Think About It!

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