Still Standing: 3 Things to Consider

July, 2017

Two years ago I traveled to West Virginia for my birthday for a different kind of experience. I needed some way to release my stress. Back then I was in a season where there have been really difficult disruptions in my life. The kind that hijacks plans. New items were popping up on my radar, taking more of my attention than I had intended. But I needed to attend to them just to keep the necessary flow of life flowing. After a very long time, I felt like these things were clinging to me. Life circumstances had been overwhelming me. It seemed like I was just pushing, plodding, fighting and sometimes barely hanging on.

New River Gorge is an outdoor adventure place that offered several options. There were activities on the water (kayaking and white water rafting), on the land (hiking, horseback riding, all-terrain vehicles) and in the air (aerial obstacle courses and zip lining). The afternoon before I did my aerial obstacle course I went for a walk in a park near my hotel. A walk in God’s open space, allows for the quiet time that brings clarity on situations. Spending time in nature reveals so much and offers so many lessons. I always stumble upon a wonderful, divine surprise. There was a very unique tree that was a gift that day. It had vines wrapped around the trunk.

Where did all of the vines come from that had wrapped themselves around the tree? It was hard to see a beginning or an end to the vines. The vines grew across the ground and found the tree. They set up camp and moved right up the trunk of the tree. As the tree stretched upward and out, the vines continued to cling to it. And they weren’t weak vines that could just be brushed off.

As I paused to consider this tree, I considered the symbolism there and recognized some lessons there for me. I looked at all the things that were tying me up and tying me down and asked some questions. How did I get here? Where did all these vines that were wrapped around me come from?

I had to mentally take a step back, look at my own life and growth, and get clear on some things. Taking a few deep breaths, there was one simple fact to remember. In spite of everything that has come my way, I’m still standing. Still here, still strong, and still ready. Life may get weighty and it’s sometimes not a matter of taking one day at a time, but one hour, or one minute at a time. How is it that I’m still standing?

1. After so many setbacks, I humbled myself to know that I can’t do it all. I can’t meet the challenges, and fend off all the attacks on my own. I don’t have all the answers. Humility is quite powerful. When I throw up my hands for help, it allows me to let go of preconceived notions, unhealthy thinking and facades, and just be. Once I let go, I become open to see differently; to see that I needed a hand to figure it all out.

2. I know that God is with me. In my long walk through a deep valley, my faith has definitely been tested. Without a doubt my faith is what brought me through and out of the valley, because the bigger question was whether I would endure the tedious journey. I have seen the divine hand show up and remove obstacles that I couldn’t budge with my best efforts. When I needed comforting in the midst of the worst trials, peace came. Whether it was a song on the radio, or unexpected but timely words someone spoke, or some writing that showed up at the right moment, God showed up. I trust the Creator keeps the promise to always be there, even in the valley moments.

3. I chose to be courageous enough to walk in the way that God is leading me. As I opened myself up to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit guide me, listening took on a broader and deeper meaning. Thinking went beyond rational logic and incorporated a contemplative aspect that sprang from deep within. Seeing took on a more expansive capacity. Knowing moved to a higher level of consciousness. At that level I could move to a place I had not been able to reach before. That’s where conformity dissipates and destiny emerges. My choice is to courageously stand to say what needs to be said and do what needs to be done. It may not always fit others’ plans, but past experience has proven that following God’s plan always works best.

Observe how much smaller the vines are than the tree. Remember to look beyond the small things that are trying to constrain any thoughts about your potential, your prospects and what is possible. See how much more there is to you. Never lose sight of the fact that there is more growing to do.

Vine distractions will arise, so be able to recalibrate and keep moving. You can see in the photo that the original trunk of the tree grew an offshoot and took on a wishbone shape. Have faith that you can do you even if some fundamental things change. Build on your faith and endure beyond what’s pulling at you. Keep reaching skyward. And go for a walk from time to time.

Keywords: Choices; Creating positive work cultures; Learning; Retaining and growing talent; Self-awareness; Teams connecting; Transforming.