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Rock Climbing Is Not About Me

The other night my family went to the Y. Jacie wanted to go rock climbing and I said I would climb with her. You have to know, internally, my goal was not to let a 10-year old girl show me up. My competitive side is well known by my kids, because as I was encouraging Jacie on one of her climbs, Luke (8-years old) asked me why I was encouraging the competition. I reminded him that we were on the same team, so it was good to work together. And we did. Jacie reached the top of two different climbs. 

Perhaps you're wondering how I did. I thought about telling you. I almost put it down. But then I realized that would make this about me. Whether or not I reached the top does not change who I am. What you think about whether or not I reached the top does not change who I am either.

I could tell you. But if all we're doing is comparing, which I started to do, it will get us nowhere. 

Nowhere.

Let it be known that the family had a good time, so the mission was accomplished. A lot of times we think the mission is to make it about us. It reminds me that there were moments in the life of Jesus when He too was silent. Specifically, I am thinking of His trial by Pilate when He remained silent. You can find that in Matthew 26.

I know, that's a big jump in topic, from rock walls to trials. I'm sorry if I jarred you. But realize that we have so many ways of making life about us, even in trivial matters. Jesus, in a moment of life and death, said nothing. Not about His innocence. Not about the injustice being done to Him. Not a word about Himself.

Do you still want to know how I did at rock climbing?

Comments

Anonymous said…
Why yes I would still like to know but only if you did not make it lol. I only hope Jacie didnt beat you to the top to badly lol
Love ya Robin
Rick Nier said…
Thank you, sister, but I'm not telling you.

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