"A Mourning Moment" by Bob Willis

"Look Up"

When Bob was about 14 years old he was part of a boys group from church that went "mountain climbing". They attacked Mt. Scott in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma and he shares the following lesson on looking ahead and above instead of focusing on our fears.

My buddy and I decided to cross an area called Devil's Slide, a granite face that had few footholds. As we approached the halfway point we stopped to admire the beautiful view, we could see for miles. Then it happened!! We both FROZE!!  We began to focus on the trees and sharp rocks below us instead of looking forward to our goal. Fear of sliding down the face of the area quickly overcame our excitement. 

Fortunately we began to talk ourselves into looking ahead and above instead of focusing on the danger of what "could happen" if we fell. Soon we were able to continue our climb to the safety of our goal. There can be times in life we tend to focus on our fears instead of our goals. We might notice all the danger around us, we might focus more on the "what if" instead of our progress.

A loss in life can produce many fears and times of uncertainty. It helps to talk about losses and fears with a friend. It helps to focus on progress. Set a goal and take intentional steps to reach it. Look ahead...look up...instead of looking back or down. We never "get over" grief, but we can soften the pain by talking about our fears and our goals.

Don't give up...you can do this journey...you are not alone....don't quit.

Bob Willis, author 
"A Guide for Grievers"