Troy P Zehnder

One day a man stood alone on top of a mountain and looked around. It was something he did every day for many years. He looked at where he was, and all that he had. On his little peak sat his small shack, nothing fancy, but it kept him warm and dry. He looked at the small stream that ran past his home and was thankful that there were always just enough fish to sustain him. His closest neighbors were miles away, so there was plenty of privacy. The water was clean and fresh. He had all he needed, yet something was missing.

Every morning he would look across the vast valley to the next peak and saw a large mountain lake, surrounded by grass. Herds of animals were always frolicking in the grassy area around the lake. The sun was beaming bright off the landscape, while his home was nestled in the shade of the peaks. Beautiful log cabins dotted the landscape, and he could see the neighbors gleefully enjoying each other’s company. Large trees full of life provided shade, protection from the wind, and a home for the birds that would sing songs of peace and happiness. For years the man wondered what it would be like to live on that peak instead of the one he was on. He was content, but something was missing. He was isolated.

He walked to the edge and looked down. He looked left and he looked right. Although he was content on his hilltop, he wanted to experience what was on the peak across the valley. What he saw when he looked around though reminded him of why he was still on his own little peak. The mountainside was steep. It was a long way down. The valley was full of things he’d heard about but always avoided. Bears, poisonous snakes, mountain lions, poisonous plants, and the wide rushing river that separated the peaks.

Daily the man longed to experience life across the valley. A place where he could have friends, a better home, a nicer view, more food, and basically a better life. He looked back at his place of contentment. He looked across the valley. And again he looked down. After many months of the same routine, the man realized what was keeping him where he was. Fear. Sure he could live out his life and survive as he had been, but his heart longed for the other peak and the rewards it offered. He had no plane. He had no hang glider. He had no zip line. He had no car, but there were no roads anyway. He only had one option. He had to walk.

The day finally came when he realized there was only one choice. He must go down in order to go up. He must cross the unknown in order to experience the vision he’s seen for years. He must overcome the challenges that kept him hostage. Without knowing the extent of the journey, for he did not know what other obstacles were unseen beneath the forest canopy, he packed his most precious belongings in a bag, said goodbye to his safe life, and slid down the mountain.

Adversity was an understatement as he repeatedly stumbled and fell. He stood up bloodied, but emboldened. He reached the bottom and looked up. Safety was so close. He could go back, but his dreams were laying beyond the unknown. The man pushed forward. Lost in the denseness of the rugged mountains, he was constantly beaten down. The temptation to turn around greater every day. He ran from bears. He hid from mountain lions, he avoided the snakes, and he crossed the river. From his spot on the other shore, he could see his old life through a clearing. Shaded and gloomy, but safe. He turned around and looked up. He was now closer than ever. His vision from the other side was so real he could taste it through all his senses. He began his climb.

Upon reaching the top, he looked back once more, knowing there would be no return to just surviving in solitude. He faced forward only to be greeted by those whom he watched with fascination for so long. Unsure of how they would react to his invasion of their turf, he took a step forward. Each person he encountered shook his hand and said, “Welcome.”

“I’ve been watching you,” said the man. “I’ve always envied what I’ve seen here.”

“We’ve been watching you as well.” they answered. “What took so long?”

“What do you mean?” the man responded.

“We were all where you were at one time. Scattered around that mountain and looking at this peak. We each shared the same feeling that you did, that this must be paradise. One by one we stepped off that cliff and faced the challenge of coming here. For many months we have watched you wondering why you would choose isolation over this.  We were hoping you would join us, and we’ve been waiting to celebrate your arrival.”

The man thought of them watching him, and wondering why they would celebrate his arrival. He answered sheepishly, “I was scared.”

“We all were at one time, but only through that leap of faith coming down the mountain were we able to achieve this dream. That’s why we are celebrating your arrival. We understand what it takes to get here, and now that you are, there is no going back.  You’re no longer alone. You’re no longer isolated. In your faith, you’ve achieved something great! Welcome!”

Fear is paralyzing. It is isolating. It is self-destructing. Fear prevents us from pursuing greatness. It limits our potential. It cages us and tricks us into accepting less than we deserve. Only through faith can we overcome fear, battle through adversity, and persevere. We will stumble and fall. We will run. We will swim upstream. In our perseverance, we will meet others who have fought the same battles. We will realize our dreams, and we will exchange contentment for happiness. Never Quit.

– by Troy P Zehnder