Bravery and Break Walls

In Traverse City there lies a marvelous oasis.

It is known as the Open Space.

The Open Space is surrounded by the crystal blue waters of Grand Traverse Bay and is the perfect place to toss a frisbee, read a book, watch a sunset or simply gaze at the clouds.

And after you do any of the aforementioned activities, it is always nice to jump in the water over the break wall. Just don't get caught. It's not what you would call "legal" - shhh.....

The other day I was relaxing on a ledge overlooking the break wall when I heard the scampering of little feet approaching. I looked up to see a young girl, about ten years old, running full tilt to the edge of the break wall.

Her steps slowed as she approached it. She cautiously looked around in every direction. Then began climbing through the rungs of the fence.

I glanced back down at my book and I heard a SPLOOSH!

Then there was another set of scampering feet. Again I raised my head to see a young girl - maybe a year or two younger - run up to the break wall.

Girl #1 was breathless and giggling as she climbed up the ladder out of the waves. "See, that shows how brave I am.", Girl #1 announced to her little friend.

Her friend looked from the first girl to the crashing waves below and back again. Eyes wide. Awestruck.

I chuckled to myself as I watched this scene before me. How many times have I felt the same way?

I see a challenge in my life - some crashing waves over an illegal break wall - and I feel the need to jump in. Just to see if I can do it.

Sometimes I come out breathless and triumphant. Other times, I'm choking on the water that threatened to drown me, vowing never to do such a ridiculous thing again.

But I think that's the point. If you don't try, how do you know if you can? Or if you can't?

We could stand on the edge of the break wall all day, pondering the risks and allowing fear to overcome us. But we'll still just be standing on safe ground. Wondering.

Maybe its time to get out of the comfort zone.

So look around. Check for cops. And jump in.

....Okay, maybe you should keep it legal.
But still jump in.