Reflections as heard on Sacred Heart Radio AM 1050

THE BEST WAY OUT OF IT, IS TO GET INTO IT

I once read that when one is seeking a way out of a very difficult situation, “the best way out of it, is to get into it”. This may be a difficult concept to grasp at first but very helpful when applied. I have often used this slogan in counseling sessions. I have to admit that although I use and agree with the slogan I had not fully applied the concept myself until one day while rock climbing with some friends at the Columbia River in Eastern Washington.
 
There were five of us that were out fishing and were captivated by the beautiful cliffs on the banks of the Columbia River. We challenged each other to climb a cliff that was about 150 feet. Our climbing gear was limited to one 100 foot rope and the cliff was straight up. I agreed to be the first to climb, secure the rope and hand it down for the others to climb. Half way up the cliff I began to tire and the rope across my shoulders was getting in my way and seemed to be getting heavier by the minute. I continued the climbed to about four feet from the top and I began to shake from exertion I was too high to turn back, too tired to go forward. I had about four more feet to climb and my grip was weak. My best grip was on my right hand and only using the finger tips of my index, middle, and ring fingers. I was getting very little support from my left hand and two feet. My friends were shouting instructions that were of no help to me. I took a deep breath and shouted for everyone to please be quiet. I thought to myself, I’m tired and cannot move. I’m stuck! To continue the climb I had to move my right hand upward about eight inches for a better grip but that was the hand with the best grip, if I lost that support I would lose everything. I said, “Lord please help me”. The slogan came to mind “the best way out of it, is to get into it”. I said, “Lord I don’t need slogans I need help! I don’t know how but I began to get into my situation; I felt the cool hard rock against my body and all the points of support where I held a grip. I pressed my face and body against the rock and realized that I was focused and no longer tired. I felt a sharp edge on my right hip; I moved slightly to feel what it was. It was a metal button on the hip area of my pants. I press my hip hard against the rock and the button held firm against the rock giving me enough support to release the grip and move my right hand upward for a better grip and a safe climb to the top of the cliff.
 
That evening as I sat by the campfire I began to reflect on the slogan. It was clear to me that God does not put us into difficult situations just to get us out. It is only when we face and walk through the circumstances of our situations that we can discover our gifts in the midst of hostile environments. Ever since my experience on the cliffs of the Columbia River it has become more evident to me why God permits hardships in our lives. We are at our best in times weakness and it is through our weakness that we can find new strength. The experiences of our hardships are difficult to endure but the rewards far exceed any hardship that we will ever experience and the best way out of it, is to get into it. We often wonder how long we need to experience these hardships, until it makes us a better person.
 
Dcn. David P. Alcorta 11-09