Walls

I stand at the base of a wall. It’s is not a high or a substantial wall as walls go. It’s not the shortest or the highest wall, but resides somewhere in the middle. But to those seeing it for the first time, it looks infinite, unyielding, insurmountable. To those of us who have more experience, it is but an easy hop. Beyond this barrier lies another somewhat larger wall. Many walls exist beyond actually, each with increasing height and difficulty. Some enclose very specific environments. Some enclose open plains filled with a multitude of opportunities. Yet if one keeps going, you will eventually come to another higher wall.

            I have been over many walls, more than the average person. I have hopped the beginner’s wall, dawdled over the children’s wall, scaled the middle and high walls, and even soared over the higher wall. The wall of master I have never challenged. I have stood at the base surveying it several times. Each time I was called away to care for a more pressing need.

Truthfully, I know the best path to climb, the surest footholds and most of what lies beyond. I have collected volumes of stories, diagrams, and advice over these many years. I feel like I know the places beyond intimately, even though I have never been there.

Yet here I stand. My assignment, I volunteered actually, is to coach, prod, and encourage those trying to climb the middle wall. I love what I do. It never gets old. I especially enjoy those who, after having climbed to the heights, gratefully return to share their stories and successes with me.

Someday I will get the chance to explore the other walls. Until then, I will continue to help my group of wide-eyed, energetic, and often terrified “middle-wallers” to find the next hand or foot hold. “Up and over you go!...”