The Distance

… the truth is that I did not know how far away I was. I knew I was not there, but definitely not that far off! What a shock to realise I was where I was and the destination was where it is. I measured the distance and my heart sank! I could not see how I would make it and the only thought in my mind was to abandon the journey, prior to knowing the distance I was happy to trudge along. Now I could not see the point. I felt a massive lump in my throat and my spirit dropped, I could see the next step, that was about it, but the next step felt like eternity from the destination. The thought of the distance was swallowing me up alive. Overwhelmed was not sufficiently strong to describe my feeling. I wish I did not know, at least I would have carried on blissfully ignorantly. ‘Knowledge is power’ some say, today knowledge has not empowered me, it has weakened me! Ah!

I have a choice, abort or continue! Continue seems futile, abort is beckoning to me like a grinning reckless disillusioned friend. The lure of not having to face anticipated failure is enticing. The thought of perishing in the sea without making it to shore kept me awake at night. I could most definitely stay where I am and then I know I will not die in the sea, at least I am on dry land! I am on one side of the sea, who cares what side? To get to the other side, the distance is huge!!!!!!

The distance is the swallowing whale with the gaping mouth, the expanse with no end, the inconquerable land, the forbidden forest, the journey you don’t embark on, the one that could take your life, the battle that no one wins or just the selected handful! Says the nay sayers! But the truth is ‘the distance’ is that journey that every brave soul must embark on with faith and courage, trusting that He who has started a good work will continue it. The sojourner must believe in the grace, the strength, the resources, nourishment to do the distance. The long distance runner must pace himself, slow and steady is the race of long distance, endurance and focus for the next step, the eyes must be focused at the right level, too high and the fear of the distance will consume, too low and mediocrity will embrace. The distance is conquerable by he that dares to keep going.

Whatever your distance today, be it a business venture, academic goal, physical attempt, financial landmark, spiritual desire etc, please do not listen to those that say the distance can not be breached, just don’t. Live with one mind, it can be done!

The distance will not swallow us!