Lessons Learned From a Cliffhanger
Lessons Learned From a Cliffhanger
It was a first for me. However, my son Andy is an experienced and talented climber. (See below footnote about Andy) After arriving at the park, he led the way as we hiked forty-five minutes across the boulder dotted landscape.
We traversed by wild buffalo, deer and who knows what other kinds of critters! Finally we arrived at a rock formation called “The Lost Dome.” Before I knew it I was “on the wall,” making my first ever climb.
As I reflected back on the day, I suddenly realized I had learned many valuable lessons. I’d like to share some of them as a tribute to my son, who is a great young man. Here’s what I learned:
1. With proper coaching, you can accomplish great feats
Honestly, I was a little intimidated as I looked up at the 90 foot granite wall. However, Andy coached me step by step, explaining about my equipment, and the climb. Only with his help, was this even possible.
Lesson learned: We must have others to help us on the journey of life. We can’t get it done without them.
Relationships are important aren’t they? Are you connected with anyone?
Prov. 27:17
2. Hard challenges are great morale boosters
I hate to admit it, but about ten feet up the wall I was ready to give up! I mean really! My hands hurt from the sharp granite, my toes, legs and arms were throbbing - in harmony!
My thoughts hounded me…this is not good, a fifty-one year old man hanging on the side of a mountain! After twenty minutes of taking it “one move at a time,” I made it to the top.
Lesson learned: Persistence pays great dividends. I really felt like I had accomplished something - I’m still pumped!
Rom. 5:3-5
3. We need comrades who will cheer us on.
One thing that really stood out was the camaraderie I witnessed at the slopes that day. It was like they all knew each other. (Really they didn’t!) .
Interestingly, I got stuck at one point about seventy feet into the climb. One of the fellow rock climbers then climbed up next to me and gave me a few pointers. Imagine that! Then they climbed above me and took my picture. How neat!
Lesson learned: God sends us comrades to cheer us on as we walk through life. Those willing to climb along side and help.
Heb. 12:1
Conclusion
I know none of this seems very spiritual. However, life itself is full of valuable lessons – teachable moments. I know I certainly experienced one this weekend. Proverbs tell us that wisdom speaks from the streets at the place where the paths meet. (Prov. 8:1-3)
Will I try climbing again? Sure! Will I become a pro? I doubt it! However, I did have a great time and learned some valuable lessons from my son, The Cliff Hanger!
Andy Chasteen’s Bio:
Andy is a pro/amateur rock climber who is passionate about the sport. He is involved in organizing major rock climbing events around the country and was recently appointed as the regional contact person for Solid Rock Climbers for Christ, a national Christian Climbing Club.
Andy is thirty one years old. He lives in the OKC metro area. He works for Robert Half Financial Services in downtown OKC. If you would like to contact him, you may do so at andy.chasteen@gmail.com .
Lessons Learned From a Cliffhanger - To learn more about this author, visit John Chasteen's Website.
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The alarm went off at 5:00am. It was a special day; my son had invited me to go rock climbing in the Witchita Mountains in southwest Oklahoma. Soon we were on the road, bright and early. The fall foliage colored the landscape with bright reds and unique yellows, the air – crisp and clean. A perfect day for climbing!
It was a first for me. However, my son Andy is an experienced and talented climber. (See below footnote about Andy) After arriving at the park, he led the way as we hiked forty-five minutes across the boulder dotted landscape.
We traversed by wild buffalo, deer and who knows what other kinds of critters! Finally we arrived at a rock formation called “The Lost Dome.” Before I knew it I was “on the wall,” making my first ever climb.
As I reflected back on the day, I suddenly realized I had learned many valuable lessons. I’d like to share some of them as a tribute to my son, who is a great young man. Here’s what I learned:
1. With proper coaching, you can accomplish great feats
Honestly, I was a little intimidated as I looked up at the 90 foot granite wall. However, Andy coached me step by step, explaining about my equipment, and the climb. Only with his help, was this even possible.
Lesson learned: We must have others to help us on the journey of life. We can’t get it done without them.
Relationships are important aren’t they? Are you connected with anyone?
Prov. 27:17
2. Hard challenges are great morale boosters
I hate to admit it, but about ten feet up the wall I was ready to give up! I mean really! My hands hurt from the sharp granite, my toes, legs and arms were throbbing - in harmony!
My thoughts hounded me…this is not good, a fifty-one year old man hanging on the side of a mountain! After twenty minutes of taking it “one move at a time,” I made it to the top.
Lesson learned: Persistence pays great dividends. I really felt like I had accomplished something - I’m still pumped!
Rom. 5:3-5
3. We need comrades who will cheer us on.
One thing that really stood out was the camaraderie I witnessed at the slopes that day. It was like they all knew each other. (Really they didn’t!) .
Interestingly, I got stuck at one point about seventy feet into the climb. One of the fellow rock climbers then climbed up next to me and gave me a few pointers. Imagine that! Then they climbed above me and took my picture. How neat!
Lesson learned: God sends us comrades to cheer us on as we walk through life. Those willing to climb along side and help.
Heb. 12:1
Conclusion
I know none of this seems very spiritual. However, life itself is full of valuable lessons – teachable moments. I know I certainly experienced one this weekend. Proverbs tell us that wisdom speaks from the streets at the place where the paths meet. (Prov. 8:1-3)
Will I try climbing again? Sure! Will I become a pro? I doubt it! However, I did have a great time and learned some valuable lessons from my son, The Cliff Hanger!
Andy Chasteen’s Bio:
Andy is a pro/amateur rock climber who is passionate about the sport. He is involved in organizing major rock climbing events around the country and was recently appointed as the regional contact person for Solid Rock Climbers for Christ, a national Christian Climbing Club.
Andy is thirty one years old. He lives in the OKC metro area. He works for Robert Half Financial Services in downtown OKC. If you would like to contact him, you may do so at andy.chasteen@gmail.com .
Lessons Learned From a Cliffhanger - To learn more about this author, visit John Chasteen's Website.
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