Stones in the Road
This week I read several chapters in a book titled A Field Guide for the Hero's Journey. It has a lot of great advice and stories about getting through difficult times and fighting feelings of discouragement. My favorite chapter was chapter 5 about facing life's obstacles. At some point we all face seemingly insurmountable challenges.
I thought about my 14 year-old son, Matthew, as I read this chapter. Matthew had a brain tumor when he was 9. He had brain surgery which successfully removed the entire tumor. Ever since that tumor, he's had annual MRI's to check for recurrence. The most recent MRI was just two weeks ago. After his scan, we were sitting together in his surgeon's office waiting for the results. I asked Matt if he was nervous. He looked at me and said, "No, I really don't think it's back. And even if it is, I'll just go through surgery again. It's not a big deal." The best part of this statement from Matt is that he meant it! He's the most optimistic person I know, despite the fact that he's dealt with a very serious health challenge in his young life. Matt has competed in several Spartan races, even making it to the Kid's World Championship in 2018.
I believe challenges and obstacles make us stronger. In chapter 5 of A Field Guide for the Hero's Journey it states, "Just as climbing mountains or pushing against weight builds strength, so climbing over or pushing against the obstacles on your hero's journey will help build mental, emotional, and spiritual muscle. I know this is a true principle. I've seen it in Matt's life as well as the lives of so many people I look up to. In my own journey, I will inevitably encounter challenges in school, at home, and in my goals. It is easy for me to get frustrated when challenges arise. I will get less frustrated as I remember those who have exemplified courage in the face of difficulties while remembering that every obstacle I encounter will teach me invaluable lessons I could learn no other way.
I thought about my 14 year-old son, Matthew, as I read this chapter. Matthew had a brain tumor when he was 9. He had brain surgery which successfully removed the entire tumor. Ever since that tumor, he's had annual MRI's to check for recurrence. The most recent MRI was just two weeks ago. After his scan, we were sitting together in his surgeon's office waiting for the results. I asked Matt if he was nervous. He looked at me and said, "No, I really don't think it's back. And even if it is, I'll just go through surgery again. It's not a big deal." The best part of this statement from Matt is that he meant it! He's the most optimistic person I know, despite the fact that he's dealt with a very serious health challenge in his young life. Matt has competed in several Spartan races, even making it to the Kid's World Championship in 2018.
I believe challenges and obstacles make us stronger. In chapter 5 of A Field Guide for the Hero's Journey it states, "Just as climbing mountains or pushing against weight builds strength, so climbing over or pushing against the obstacles on your hero's journey will help build mental, emotional, and spiritual muscle. I know this is a true principle. I've seen it in Matt's life as well as the lives of so many people I look up to. In my own journey, I will inevitably encounter challenges in school, at home, and in my goals. It is easy for me to get frustrated when challenges arise. I will get less frustrated as I remember those who have exemplified courage in the face of difficulties while remembering that every obstacle I encounter will teach me invaluable lessons I could learn no other way.
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