You’re Closer Than You’ve Ever Been

Bailey and I were hiking in Alaska, working our way to the top of Reed Lakes.  The first two and a half miles were relatively easy, and then we came to a field of boulders that stretched for a little over half a mile. This was a challenge, but one I enjoyed. I knew that once we crossed the boulders we were 2/3 of the way to the first lake. As I jumped off the final boulder, I was relieved, anticipating the next part of our hike to what I knew was going to be a beautiful lake. But suddenly, fear started creeping whispering in my mind. Would I have enough water? Did we have enough food? What if it started raining? I wondered why all of a sudden I was so fearful, but I didn’t know the answer. We made it to the first lake, and as promised, it was gorgeous. We ate our protein bars, took pictures, and all the while I fretted about going on. I knew it was about one mile straight up to reach the final lake. I wanted to go, but I had so much fear that it almost stopped me. I eventually made the decision to keep going.

As we trekked along, we passed a couple coming down the mountain as we were going up. I turned to the young couple and asked, “Are we almost there?”, and his answer is still ringing in my ears. He said, “You are closer than you’ve ever been.” As simple as this was, it was very profound. I was closer than I had ever been, and if I would keep putting one foot in front of the other, I would make it. Inspired, I quickened my step and continued thinking about what he told me. Isn’t that statement true about so much of our lives? We are closer to where we are going than we have ever been.

The enemy wants us to give up. He wants us to feel isolated and alone. He tries to convince us that the reward is not worth the fight, or that we are not enough. But he is a liar.

You are closer to your breakthrough, closer to your fitness goal, closer to financial independence, closer to the person you want to be. Keeping putting one foot in front of the other. Do the next thing in front of you. Don’t give up. You are closer than you’ve ever been.