In the face of life's inevitable storms, it's not the severity of the challenge that defines us, but our response to it. Drawing inspiration from the majestic eagle, we too can rise above adversity, using the very forces that threaten to bring us down as a means to elevate ourselves. This is a tale of resilience, a lesson from nature on how to navigate the tempests of life with poise and strength.
In January 1981, a group of hikers, including myself, ascended Sunset Peak in the Capitán Mountains of New Mexico. Standing at an elevation of 9,000 feet, we were greeted by a breathtaking, cloudless vista. The world seemed to unfold before us from that vantage point. Among the many wonders we witnessed that day, the sight of four eagles gliding below us remains etched in my memory. Their graceful maneuvers against the backdrop of the vast landscape were nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Eagles possess an extraordinary ability to detect an approaching storm well before it manifests. They seek out a high perch and await the incoming winds. As the storm hits, they position their wings in such a way that the wind lifts them above the turmoil. Rather than fleeing or enduring the storm, eagles use it to their advantage, soaring to greater heights on the very currents that bring the storm nearer.
Life presents us with a spectrum of storms—some minor, others monumental. Yet, these challenges need not overpower us. We have the choice to rise above them, much like the eagle that anticipates the storm and responds by ascending above it. The pressures, obstacles, and setbacks we encounter can be navigated without succumbing to stress, discouragement, or failure.
People react to life's storms in various ways. Some attempt to evade them, others brace themselves and endure, while a select few opt to rise above the fray. As a child, I recall the fear instilled by the sound of thunder and the sight of heavy rain. My mother, seasoned by many such storms, assured me that all would be well. Her confidence allowed me to transcend my fear, to metaphorically soar above the storm.
The desire for a victorious, successful, and fulfilling life is universal. It's a notion that transcends mere human ambition, finding roots in spiritual beliefs as well. For those who seek solace and guidance in faith, turning to a higher power during tumultuous times can provide the strength needed to elevate oneself above life's tempests. A verse from the Bible encapsulates this sentiment: "Those who trust in the Lord shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
The storms of life are inevitable, but our response to them is a choice. By emulating the eagle's approach to adversity, we can harness the challenges we face to lift ourselves to new heights. Whether through personal resolve, the support of loved ones, or spiritual faith, we have the capacity to soar with the eagles, above the storms that life brings our way.
An Opportunity for Learning
This economy will turn around and we will again see another upturn. Now is a great opportunity to teach our children and our grandchildren. Now is the time to teach them how to be sufficient whether in a downturn, upturn or in a static economy.
Facing the Unknown
When you stop and think about it, every day we face the unknown. There are no guarantees that everything that we have planned will play out just like we think it will. Life is full of surprises.
A Promotion and a Raise
With so many people going to work each day with fear in their hearts, how far from their minds is a scenario like this? It happened here in the USA, in February of 2009.
