If I were to build a grueling, and I do mean grueling, obstacle course in my backyard and promised that everyone who completed it would spend the rest of their lives experiencing only complete joy, how many of you would do it?  Wow… everyone!  Before we get started I want you to realize that this obstacle course will rival any that the military boot camps have devised in both difficulty and intensity…. Is everyone still in?  Since you are all nodding your heads in agreement, let's head off to the back yard.

We don’t need any pushing or shoving so let’s start with Cara. I know she’ll want to be first.  Cara attacks the course with great gusto and enthusiasm.  About midway through, she begins to tire just when she needs all of her strength to maneuver over the wall.  Huffing and puffing, bending over with hands on her knees she begins shaking her head saying that she just doesn’t think she can continue.  She laments that this is much, much harder than she ever thought.

Lisa breaks through the crowd and laces her fingers together whispering encouragements.  “Take the boost, I know you can do it!”  Cara places her hand on Lisa’s shoulder and accepts the boost.  It was just what she needed.  With renewed enthusiasm and determination Cara sails over the wall and sprints to the tires.

The obstacle course is real.

It is called life.

May we always remember to give each other boosts.