Warning Labels

Thursday, September 21

A few years ago our family went to the Grand Canyon as part of our Spring Break trip. After walking around for a while, I decided to go down the trail a bit with my two oldest sons (my youngest at that time was young enough that we were still carrying him most of the time).

As we started down there was a sign warning us - and mostly those who were doing actual hikes - of the dangers of the trail and to use caution. We were told to be aware of where you are walking as you could slip over the edge and fall into the canyon. Hiking down doesn’t mean you are able to hike back up. Hydration is critical.

These signs weren’t meant to keep us from going. They were meant to let us know that a hike into and out of the Grand Canyon comes with risks and potential obstacles. They were meant to mentally prepare us so that we would know what to do when the moment comes.

Goals should come with warning labels. The pursuit of progress should come with warning labels. Because we start to chase after growth and we get surprised by the inevitable struggles, but the unexpected adversity, by how long it takes, by the difficulty of the journey. And then we quit. If we’d been warned ahead of time we could’ve been prepared. Maybe we would’ve decided not to go on the journey, but more than likely we would’ve just had a better mindset along the way.

Adversity and obstacles are not optional. They are required on the path of progress. Don’t be surprised by them. You can avoid that reality for a while but eventually you are going to have to deal with it.

Lean in, do the work, keep moving forward.
​
​
Keep chopping wood. 🪵🪓

-Kevin