Rising Above

Audio By Carbonatix

Some stand two or three stories high. They are typically found in states where there are a number of trees and mountains. People can actually sleep in some of them or walk around in them. Give up? It’s a fire tower. Many of these towers were built with little cabins on top allowing someone to live in them temporarily while keeping a look out for potential smoke and fire in the surrounding areas. 

Where I grew up in South Carolina, near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are a lot of forested areas. As you can imagine, it was a beautiful scene. In the spring, the trees would bud with colorful leaves, creating a gorgeous backdrop against a bright blue sky. In the fall, those leaves would transform in color and then lightly float to the ground, producing a rustle with every footstep. It was during that time of the year that my dad, brother, and I would ride to the fire tower near our home. 

It was quite an adventure, full of excitement and fear. The fire tower was a structure you could climb up and look out across the forest just like a ranger. The view was phenomenal because there was more to see than just your own backyard. 

As a small boy, I was a little fearful of the tower, but I was determined to climb it and experience the thrill. One time, though, my brother, who always climbed ahead of me, let me go first. I was excited as I began my ascent up the rickety, wooden steps that creaked loudly even under my light weight. That is, until my brother started shaking the whole frame and scaring me to death. To this day, because of that memory, I get a shiver up my spine when I see a fire tower. 

The same thing happens to people who are afraid of spiders, snakes, or anything that gets your heart pumping and your blood rushing. It happens in families too. A disastrous event occurs with someone you love that shakes the ground beneath you. In some cases, the offense knocks you off your feet. The thought of facing that person who hurt you creates a fearful, physical reaction. 

During holidays more than other times, people seem to really wrestle with those decisions. The thought of being with that person is gripping. It brings people down and they feel pinned under the weight of what to do. Do they face the fear or hold on to it? 

It seems like many people choose to skip the mistletoe, mashed potatoes, and winter wonderland they’ve enjoyed with family in the past because they can’t get past the pain. Unfortunately, they miss seeing a lot of people they do enjoy because of the one person that brings them no joy.

If this situation sounds familiar, I challenge you to consider climbing the tower of forgiveness and rising above the situation. The view might give you the chance to see more than just your own involvement or feelings. Talk to that person in advance, if possible, and address what happened between you. This way, when you see each other again with family present, the room will fill up with good feelings instead of tension. 

The first step is never easy. You might wobble a little to the left and right while you find your balance between listening and being heard, but those are necessary steps toward the beautiful possibility of resolving the issues for good.