He Died Climbing

He Died Climbing

Robert Schuller told a story once that has some implications for us today.

When he was visiting Switzerland, not far from the Matterhorn, he visited a cemetery where many of the great mountain climbers have been buried.  On one tombstone he read these words.

“He Died Climbing.”

Dr. Schuller continues …

“He didn’t die luxuriating.

  He didn’t die hibernating.

  He didn’t die procrastinating.

  He died dedicating.

  He died climbing.”

What a concept!  It is alive with possibilities.

-No matter our age or state in life, we still have something that can be done. 

-There are contributions to be made.

-There are institutions that can use our volunteering spirit.

We still have value to add.

We can’t stop at the top. 

               We have to keep going. 

-Give the crank one more turn.

-Pound out one more word on the keyboard. 

-Write one more song. 

-Send one more note of encouragement. 

-Make one more phone call.

-Pray one more prayer.

-Make one more sales call.

-Enroll in a class.

We keep growing.

What can we do?

What can we become?

What can we learn?

The mountain climber in our opening story died doing what he loved.  His life was all about climbing.  He was always looking for the next vista, the next peak, the next spectacular view from on top.

He lived his life as a climber.  And he died climbing!

I have two friends, both in their eighties now.

Wilbur was active up until just this past year.  Now he is retired.  But not fully.  He finds ways to be active and useful.  I know for a fact that just about every week he takes a long-time friend to his doctor’s appointments and drug store stops.  And every week he finds ways to send someone a note of encouragement, including me.

Wilbur is still climbing.

My friend Jim and I chatted this week.  He is eighty-two and still speaks and travels around the world as his schedule and health allows.  He just finished another book and it is selling well.

Jim is still climbing. 

Climbers can be anyone who dares to pursue their goals and dreams, passions and missions in life.  

The tragedy …

The tragedy is the person who has had a few bumps and bruises and now has stopped climbing. 

Don’t stop at the top.

Keep climbing.

P Michael Biggs

Offering Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

One Word at a Time