Imagine a large piece of wood on the ground. It’s thick, it’s sturdy, it’s two feet wide, and it’s about 30 feet long. If I asked you to walk across that piece of wood on the ground, could you do it? Could you do it easily? Would you think, “Why is she asking me to do such a silly thing? Walking across this piece of wood is so easy!”
Now, take that very same wide, sturdy piece of wood, and put it between two very tall buildings, so that piece of wood is now hundreds of feet of the ground. If I asked you to walk across that piece of wood, could you do it? Could you do it easily? Or would you think, “Why is she asking me to do such a crazy thing? Walking across this piece of wood is totally insane!”
What’s the difference between the two scenarios? That piece of wood is still the same. It’s still strong, it’s still sturdy, and there’s more than enough room for you to walk across it. The difference is the fear. The fear of “What if I slip? What if I fall? What if the board doesn’t hold me?” All of those fears that fill our mind because of the surroundings and circumstances around us prevent us from seeing how easy the actual task is.
The truth is, it’s just as easy to walk across that board, whether it’s on the ground or 50 stories off the ground. The truth is, if we had blinders on and could only see the piece of wood, we would cross that piece of wood easily.
How many things in our life are just as easy as walking across a piece of wood on the ground and how many of those things do we make a million times harder by allowing our fears and worries cloud how easy it actually is?
I was pondering this very notion when it hit me. Life isn’t as hard as I think it is. That’s not to say there aren’t struggles at times. But I had to ask myself, “How many of the mountains in my life are really molehills?” How many of the things that make me think, “What in the world am I going to do?” can actually be pared down to one, easily manageable challenge that isn’t really all that scary?
I know there are some things in life that seem to be out of our control. Bills will come, no matter what. The economy, to put it simply, kind of sucks right now. But you know what I can control? The way that I view things. Do you know what YOU can control? The way YOU view things.
I’ve decided not to be scared to walk across that plank. I’ve decided to not let my life be controlled by what-ifs or maybes. I’ve decided that every challenge, no matter how big or how small, will be something for me to overcome, not something to be scared of.
I challenge you to look at the things in your life, to look through any fears, to find that plank – that one simple thing that you can do – and do it. Don’t be afraid. Be brave. Be confident. Be blessed.
If at anytime you feel those fears or doubts creeping in, remember, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I cast away all fear in Jesus name and fill up with courage and clarity. I am not afraid.”
My mother in law taught her kids not to be afraid of anything and they became quite adventurous in life. My mother taught us to be afraid of everything and we didn’t take a lot of risks. I think her ways is better although with my own I did convey fear.
Fear is definitely a learned behavior. My mother is always trying to teach it to my children. 😛
I think control is a big issue for me. And lately it seems like everything is out of control in my life, and no matter how much I try to wield that control, it is never enough to satisfy my internal need to have things go the way I want them to. You’re advice rings very true, I can view that my life is out of my control and stay in this rut of feeling caged, or I can change my view and propel myself towards those things that I can control be grateful. Thank you for this reminder!
Also, I love that picture. It throws you off!
with God, all things are possible…still not crossing the plank if it’s suspended 😉
Thanks for a great post and the thoughtful reminders….it seems the older I get the more fearless I’ve become BUT my poor body begs to differ…
Blessings,
Sharon
Great post. I know so many people like that, everything that comes up becomes a huge roadblock in their lives – because they make it one. Not a fun way to live, full of fear and anxiety and doubt.
Great post!I grew up without having any self confidence in my self.I was always afraid to take chances,but with the help of the Lord and with age I have become a stronger person.
What a reassuring perspective on the challenges we all face small or large. You are right. we all can do it!
great post & what a wonderful comparison now if we can only hold that thought
Thanks for sharing. Attitude is everything and of course, God. Happy Valentines 🙂
Just when I think I could be scared. I start praying and putting my faith in the place it should be… I pull strength from my faith.
The other difference between the piece of wood near the ground, and on top of two buildings is the wind, the temperature, the air density…etc. But, I get the fear thing. I think that’s why people bungee and sky dive and stuff like that…
Interesting but thoughts do not change the reality of a situation.
I have been afraid of heights all my life and I still won’t fly.
I think fear of anything is a mindset so i agree
What a fantastic way of looking at life’s challeneges1
Thank you for this reflection, and as God tells us, Do not be afraid!
I get where you are coming from, and I am not very spritual at all, but let me just say that fear is a good thing. It keeps us from doing stupid things and sometimes gets us out of a bad place. It’s primordial. A person who doesn’t have some fear in them is going to find themselves in bad situations.
Sorry, I don’t agree about the height thing. Two feet off the ground you don’t have wind currents, birds nor the ability to see the curvature of the earth that you would at 50 stories. Have you never felt the sway of a tall building! The farther off the ground you are the complexity of the problem increases exponentially. Yes, perception accentuates fear. It’s not only learning to deal with that fear, but also being aware of and learning to deal effectively with the complexities of the problem.
I agree. It’s tempting and safe to not choose to do things that are scary. But I think it’s important to make yourself face some fears and let go!
I’m afraid of heights,and I won’t get on a plane.
I am afraid to fly and I am on meds for panic attacks. I am 48 and have had panic attacks since I’m 13. It really bothers me that i can’t do anything without meds and i am overweight because of them. i know this because whenever i came off of them I was average size.
sibabe64 at ptd dot net
I chose this post to read because I really am afraid of heights. Wow, I never thought about it in the way that you have stated it. I sure feel a little silly sitting here on the comuter as I read. But I’m not so sure that I won’t still be terrified of climbing a ladder or standing on a cliff….
I need to confront my fears, and high places give me the willies….I feel funny about my reaction and wish that I could get over it.
I’m not scared of heights but fraid of falling and the abrupt stop at the end of the fall
Great post! Thanks for sharing. It takes a lot of courage to do that.
Good thoughts! 🙂 it all depends on perspective.
Oh, I am sooooo afraid of heights. My legs feel like jello in certain types of heights. Ugg.
I am very scared of heights. I wasn’t growing up but when I had my boys, I started having all kinds of fears. I think I am more worried about falling and leaving my kids than the actual height thing (that and I am a very clumsy person).
This is a good word about fear. Also, good advice to turn to Jesus and cast your fear(s) to him!
In most situations it’s your own mind that makes mountains out of molehills.
It feels a little strange to me that I came across this posting because one of my biggest fears in life are heights.I know that I didn’t scare my children with this fear because one of my sons is a skydiver and has his wings.However in answer to your question, I could walk that plank if there was a substantially GOOD reason for me doing so,like maybe if my pants were on fire.