Challenge Yourself

Above all, challenge yourself. You may well surprise yourself at what strengths you have, what you can accomplish. - Cecile Springer

The Challenge of Sorting

At first when you look at the picture, you see dark horses - but when looking closely, you see the real objects. It's that way in life too, and thereby makes sorting out the real from the illusory one of life's greatest challenges. How often is there a disconnect between our perceptions and the underlying reality? Things are not always as they first seem. At first we see the zebras' shadows as prominent, and the zebras themselves as minute. However when the light fades and night comes, the only things remaining are the zebras. The shadows are gone.

What am I trying to say? Well, seeking what seems good can be bad for us, and accepting what seems bad can actually be good. We can't allow ourselves to be drawn to the shadows that fill our lives. We must have confidence and seek out the "zebras". We must believe that the Lord is working on our behalf at all times, even when it doesn't seem that way.

The Prayer of an Unknown Confederate Soldier expresses my thought for this day.

I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for help, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

Mastering the Waves

Oh, the challenge of mastering the big waves of the Pacific Ocean - the turning, carving, snapping off the top, and getting barreled (a.k.a.: surfer talk). The waves I’m speaking of are the world famous Mavericks north of Half Moon Bay, west of Princeton-by-the-Sea, and south of Moss Beach (and straight above Pillar Point). Each year, since 1999, there has been a Mavericks contest to determine the conqueror or conquerors of the big wave; that is, if the waves cooperate (Pacific storms determine whether the giants will emerge or not, with the contest’s time frame somewhere in-between mid-December to February). If the waves are a no show, the contest is put off for another year.

The greatest surfers from all over the world come to battle the most wicked waves that the Pacific Ocean has to offer. These surfing daredevils challenge the up-to-50-foot high waves, the jagged rocks, the shallow reefs and the frigid water. It is a spectacular exhibition of man’s skills battling nature’s elements.

The contest brings thousands of big-wave surfers to the small beach sandwiched between lofty cliffs and giant, crashing waves. We lived for 10 years just 1/4 mile from the actual Maverick site. In fact, if you look at the picture (below) where the surfing fans are sitting on the cliffs, our house was on the other side of the Cypress trees. Living that close, you couldn’t help but get caught up in the excitement of the event. Being there in person is breathtaking with the sounds of crashing waves, the smell of fresh sea air, and a mist that flows up the cliff to touch your face.

Some fans pay up to $275 (cash) to watch the contest in one of a small fleet of tour boats available at the Princeton Harbor. It is hard to believe that anyone would pay that much to get up close and personal and bob up and down in the rocky sea but they do. No refunds for the seasick.

Well, this year’s Mavericks contest has come and gone - and the winners have been announced. However, there is another contest that comes to mind. It's the contest that we participate in each day. Living for the Lord has its excitement, challenges, and emotions as we bob up and down on the sea of life. In the process, we become seasoned daredevils challenging huge obstacles and unseen dangers. It’s a spectacular exhibition of our skills battling life’s elements. May we all master life's breathtaking waves - and be announced winners at His contest's ending.