In my mind I am a world-class mountaineer, even though I have never climbed any of the world’s most famous mountains. I am conquering mountains of personal and communal challenges.You might call it a journey to my best self, a journey to greatness, or a journey to service. And like any great journey-- any great challenge-- it’s not so much about the destination because the destination is always changing-- there are always new challenges, new opportunities, new needs to be met, and new mountains to climb. It’s about the path. While the last step up to the peak of Everest is perhaps the most remembered, lauded, and Instagram-enshrined, it’s more about every step that was taken before that made it possible. It’s about planning the route, preparing supplies, and building a great team. It’s about taking that first step even when you can’t know what the ultimate journey will look like and even when it seems most of the world doubts your success. You need to pack light and move fast; you can’t be overloaded with unnecessary weight, and you need to be humble enough to change your approach when you’ve made mistakes or the map was wrong. The journey is not worth it if you can’t enjoy the view, commune with others, and help those you meet. I am not a solo climber, invariably climbing alongside those I love and trust-- those who bring skills and approaches that compliment my own and those who love me enough to call me out when my approach is too aggressive or risky or I have overlooked something. These life journeys not only prove my mettle, they feed my soul—they give me that “good tired”, the tired you experience when you know you’ve given all of your energy, wisdom, and enthusiasm to a worthy goal. And when I wake up the next morning, I know a new journey awaits, always bigger, always more challenging, always more fun. Let’s Climb!