//Protection//

“Trust your pro, dude.” 

That’s how the rock-climbing course instructor encouraged us to have faith in the harnesses and safety gear (pro = protection). A large difference exists between hoping it works and certainty that it will. 

About 60 feet up a cliff, handholds became scarce. Up and to the left, a small but promising rock ledge appeared — the obvious next move. To reach it would require a full lunge. A bold chance to display pure willpower. 

The lunge provided enough thrust to reach the ledge with both hands. Unfortunately, they grabbed only loose pebbles not visible before. Willpower meant nothing because nothing to grip means you fall. But the gear worked and held me just fine. 

The instructor cheered from below: “You’re not a real climber until you know it’s okay to fall; you did it!”

The next climbs felt better. I had confidence — in my pro. 

A timeless truth: Everyone needs pro because everyone falls. 

An ancient writer asked: I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from?
​
What’s your pro?

©Copyright 2022, David Staal, all rights reserved