Routes

Do you ever have this feeling like there is something else out there worth giving everything you have to? I do all of the time. I try to call it anxiety, but I am not sure if it is that simple.

Anxiety, clinically defined, is a state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future uncertainties. I read this definition, and my brain asks the very simple question. What would you describe as a future “certainty”? As far as I know, not even the immediate future is certain. Saying I will wake up tomorrow really is not my call. So why would we spend precious time allowing our “anxiety” keep us from going all out for that one thing we feel is worth giving everything we have to? Especially when anxiety deals with the future, which is constantly uncertain to say the least. You understand now why it is not so simple? Anxiety is not a good reason to let go of something inside of you that you feel like you have got to chase down.

My biggest chase down moments usually deal with God moments. The funny thing is, I never know I am setting up for them until I get there. I chased the adventure of rock climbing through college recreationally. I went to the class and got the formal teaching. To me, it was because I wanted something to do outside. Since I started, I have become a huge fan! I am not sure what it is that draws me over to the rockface time and time again. Maybe it is the adrenaline rush of overcoming a physical obstacle? Maybe it is the realization of how far I can push myself before I give up? Or maybe, and this is probably it, every place where I have climbed rock, I have found such a serenity about that place because I know God created it. I probably read way more into it than your average recreational rock climbing guru. I find a solace, and simplicity in nature as I find myself in a battle against the rockface.

The roads to the top are endless, some are harder, some are easier, some are perfect, and some seem nearly impossible. Are you seeing the parallel? There are also times where I wonder if, when God created this world and the rocks that I have climbed and will climb; I wonder if He thought of me personally. I know God has a lot to do, and I am not the guy to sit here and think I am worth any of God’s time, let alone a small portion of it; but there is something within me, every time that I climb, where I have to think God created a small portion of that rock for me. I get caught up just thinking about it.

Where does all of this fit in? Sometimes you have to charge things. Even if there is some sort of “anxiety”. Because even something as non-religious as rock climbing, when charged, can become the most sincere God moment of your life and a constant reminder of the blessings he gives. Without any intention or any purpose, you can find God moments everywhere. Let God take your anxiety and let us change this idea of having something you feel you have to give everything to in our minds.

1 Peter 5:7 says cast all of your anxiety on the Lord for He cares for you.

Let us shape what we once called not-so-simple anxiety, into God-driven drive. I believe whole-heartedly that God placed this drive in each of us. Chase it down and charge it.

Charles Stanley said this: “God takes full responsibility for the life that his wholly devoted to Him.”

To that statement I respond: What are you waiting for?