A young boy
stood at the foot of an unimaginably enormous mountain.
It was so tall he could not see the top. For a
long while, he stared at the huge piece of earth,
contemplating the challenge of climbing the mountain.
Not far away, he spotted an old man. He approached
the man and asked him about the mountain and what would
be required to successfully scale the great obstacle.
The old man, it turned out, had for many years watched
as countless others navigated their way up the mountain,
and he offered the wisdom of his years to the youngster.
"This is the mountain of life, young fellow", he began.
"Everyone must face the challenge of the mountain; some
will reach the summit, but many will fall. I
cannot tell you how to reach the top, for each climber
must find his own way. But I will share with you
10 laws that apply to climbing the mountain of life".
He then went on to recite them to the young boy:
* While many people believe there is only one path to
the mountaintop, this is not so. Indeed, there are
many routes that lead there. It is not the path
chosen that is key, but rather the way in which one
travels.
* If you stop to whine every time you step on a pebble,
you will never reach the top.
* The best climbers are those who stop to help pull up
others who are struggling. It seems to strengthen
their arms and legs when they lift others, making
themselves more powerful climbers.
* The difficulties and disappointments faced during the
trek to the top will lead to many questions. As
you ponder the mysteries of the mountain, take comfort
in knowing that all questions will be answered at the
summit.
* The endeavor goes best for those who make the climb
with a sense of purpose and presence. It is
possible to find purpose in learning, growing, and
helping as one moves toward the destination; and there
is joy in being fully present in each moment, enjoying
the beautiful sights and experiences along the way.
* It is well known that the journey up the mountain
varies greatly over time. At times, it is pleasant
and calm, with cool winds and shade; other times, rocky
and treacherous, with long periods of darkness and rain.
The successful climbers learn to accept it all --
appreciating and savoring the good times, while
discovering their strength and will in the hard times.
* Some will be lazy or misguided and will fail to make
the required effort to reach the top. They will
play, loaf, and indulge themselves, perhaps never
getting far from the foothills. They will forfeit
the benefits of the hard, but wondrous pilgrimage and
never know the rewards gathered at the joyful
destination.
* Remember, everyone you meet on the uphill journey is
struggling with the mountain just as you are. You
can never know what heavy burdens they must carry with
them as they try to find their way. It serves no
purpose to discourage, criticize, or judge anyone else.
If you can help someone , do so -- but never let your
treatment of others add to their burden.
* Because of the adverse conditions that occur along
parts of the trip, accompanied by periods of
discouragement and even hopelessness, one requires faith
to traverse the most arduous aspects of the climb.
How else can one navigate in darkness, find his or her
way back after being lost, and stay strong when the
specter of failure rises up again and again?
* The Maker of the Mountain waits at the mountaintop to
receive those who make their way to the summit of
serenity. Wise climbers learn to talk in their
hearts to the Maker as they travel, that they might
receive an internal light to warm them when they are
cold, and guide them when they are in darkness.
And with that said, the old man wished the lad well on
his effort to ascend the great mountain. The youngster
thanked him and walked away to begin the climb.
And under his breath, the old man said softly, "I hope I
will see you at the top, my child".
David L. Weatherford
http://www.davidlweatherford.com
