I was working in Chicago for Ozark Airlines on July 20, 1969.  A few of us were sitting in the break room and the radio was on.  We all listened as Neil Armstrong stepped out on the surface of the moon.  He looked up, and saw the earth.

I know, today we send space ships to Mars, but back then, in 1969, it was a very big deal. On that mission, two human beings, Neil Armstrong and “Buzz” Aldrin, actually spent time on the surface of the moon.

Today, flying in an airplane from one end of the country to the other is no great feat. Thousands do it every day.  But at one time, it seemed impossible for men to fly.

It’s Just Impossible!

There will always be those who view their problems as impossible to overcome, at least for them anyway.  But there are others who take the opposite point of view.  Their focus in life is on possibilities and solutions; they are problem solvers.  They live with an attitude of, “Well, there just has to be a way!”

Many times in our lives we are faced with challenges.  Those with a positive attitude address those challenges as great opportunities for success.  And when someone accomplishes what most everyone else thinks is impossible, it is very inspiring; at least it is to me.

I Couldn’t Believe This Story!

I remember a few years ago when I first heard about Erik Weihenmayer.  I was almost stunned.  It’s one of those stories that when you first hear it, your mouth almost falls to the floor.

Almost all of the seeing population on the planet would never even consider climbing Mt. Everest.  Yet, Erik Weihenmayer, a blind man, did just that.  He has also climbed the highest peaks on all of the other 6 continents as well.

Erik’s first book, Touch the top of the World, is really something to read.  When you read this, it starts at a really low point, but hang on!  It’s going to take you up high, really high.  Publishers Weekly said:  “In this moving and adventure-packed memoir, Weihenmayer begins with his gradual loss of sight as a very young child. By the time he became fully blind in high school, he had already developed the traits that would carry him to the summits of some of the world’s highest mountains.”

I put a link for the DVD, Farther Than The Eye Can See – Mount Everest (2003).  I have seen parts of this video documentary. It is an intimate look inside one of the most successful Mount Everest expeditions ever. It’s 75 minutes and it really captures the emotion, humor and drama of Erik’s historic ascent as well as four other remarkable ‘firsts’ on Mount Everest.

I recently found out that it has won 21 International Film Festival awards, was nominated for two Emmy’s, and was ranked by Men’s Journal as one of the top twenty adventure DVDs of all time.  So, if you’re interested at all, just use the links at the bottom.

Are You Planning To Climb Mt. Everest?

Now, you and I may never climb Mt. Everest and we may never walk on the moon.  Perhaps you will be inspired to remember these and other seemingly impossible tasks when you face challenges of your own.

I think that remembering seemingly impossible great accomplishments are not only inspiring but they tend to make our problems look a lot smaller, and more solvable.  What do you think?  Does hearing about those kinds of things inspire you?  Does it help you to look at your challenges and see them as solvable?

One of the reasons that I like to say, “There has to be a solution,” is because if you’ve read some of the Bible then you know that God is in the solution business. And He has provided some very miraculous, over-the-top solutions.  In fact, He is very good at it!   He can help you and He can direct your path.

There Just Has To Be A Solution!

Mike Verdicchio
(I mentioned Erik Weihenmayer climbing Mt. Everest.  There is a DVD movie about it called, Father Than The Eye Can See – Mount Everest. This movie brings truth and new meaning to the phrase “You can do anything if you put your mind to it.” Erik Weihenmayer is an inspiration to blind people and sighted people alike. Not only was this film inspiring, a great story, and a historic landmark, but it is beautiful to watch too.)