.FAILURE.

Sunday, I had a chance to go up the "pamper pole" at Oil Belt Christian Camp. A pamper pole is a 23 feet high "telephone pole" which has rungs on the side for you to climb it. You get into a harness and there are people holding a support rope which keeps you from falling once you get up high. Then when you get to the top rung, you're supposed to stand straight up on the top, turn around, and jump off. I had been "supporting" all weekend and was asked if I wanted to climb... so I gave it a try.

I didn't make it.

And it bothered me. It REALLY bothered me. I blamed my shoes, but I still really don't know for sure if it was just stupid fear that made me think they were too slick on the bottom, too worn out. I wanted so badly to go back and say I've got to try this again. To attack that challenge head-on and accomplish the simple objective. Instead I just complained about my shoes, and my lack of willingness to finish what I started. Well, maybe next time... right?

Mike Ditka said "You're never a loser until you quit trying."

So, here's your assignment: do better than I did! Choose something you failed at before, and TRY AGAIN. Give it another go. Win or lose, at least you can say you gave it your best. And for God's sake, don't ever let those past failures keep you from going out, here and now, and accomplishing something for His glory!

PS later that same day, I got on a mechanical bull, and got slung off just like everyone else. That's not failure, that's just fun.