A traffic jam?! On top of the world?!
Who would have ever thought, way back in May 1953 when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay (Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer) would be the first to successfully summit Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world (29,035 feet), that hundreds would cue up on the same weekend to plant their feet on the top of Mount Everest.
On the weekend of May 20, 2012 (59 years following Hillary's success) about 200 people lined up on the last push, through the "Dead Zone", to add their names to those who have followed Hillary's steps. 4 people died in that weekend's attempt and several are reported missing.
Now, reportedly, another 208 people are lined up to attempt their ascent. As of 2010, 3,142 climbers from 20 different countries have successfully completed the trek. The oldest climber was 76 and the youngest was 13. A blind man has even climbed Everest.
My point of this post today, is not a lesson about Everest, nor a commentary about where people find the funds to do this kind of thing. What intrigues me is how when one person breaks a barrier, sets a record, it seems to give many others the permission and confidence to achieve the same.
For years, running a mile in 4 minutes was considered unachievable. "Man was not meant to run that fast." Yet in 1954, Roger Bannister proved them wrong. Then in 1964, Jim Ryun, hit the magic mark and he was in high school! Now, it is considered the standard for all male, middle distance runners. The current record is 3:43.13.
There is something significant psychologically that takes place when someone breaks a record. Then it seems that others believe that they can do it as well. Psychological barriers impact everyone. A psychological barrier is a limiting belief that prevents someone from reaching their full potential.
Not only am I thankful for trail blazers and record breakers that have shown me a job is doable, a summit can be climbed, a record broken. I also want to be that for others for whom I can blaze a trail.
As it says in the New Testament:
Hebrews 12:1-3 (MSG)
[Distance Race ] Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
We all deal with limiting beliefs. What is holding you back? What do you need to break free from? Trust God and press forward!
