I hiked the Narrows in Zion Canyon this weekend. It was about a 10 mile hike - 60% of which involved hiking directly through the water. From time to time, you had to cross from one side of the river to the other because the path before you was blocked. I had a walking stick and special shoes to make the job easier. It was a good hike. If only I was as good at hiking my own personal narrows.
Have you ever tried crossing a river on foot? You try to take a step but the current is strong and even though you put your foot in front of you and keep aiming for the spot right in front of you, the rush of the water keeps knocking you off target. So there you are midstep, unable to plant your foot anywhere. You can't step back because the same thing is true and it wouldn't matter anyway because going back just puts you back on a path you know is blocked.
The idea is to keep moving. Fight the current. Keep at least one foot firmly planted at all times and take smaller, well thought out steps. Use the tools you have to help you. The shoes keep you steady and your feet protected. They can keep you more firmly planted and supported when the ground beneath you is slick and rocky. The walking stick is used to keep your balance and to plan your route, test the ground in front of you. Is it too deep, too fast? Letting the stick go before you keeps you from stepping into a dangerous situation. You can't always move quickly but moving slowly allows you an opportunity to revel in the beauty around you.
I know that I have been given similar tools to help me press on through the narrows of my life. I also know that if I were to really rely on those tools, to trust them, that I could focus less on fear and doubt and revel more in the beauty of the canyon I find myself lost within. Now if I could just get past the knowing and get to the doing.
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