David atop Mt. Hood

Discovering…

I remember the moment when I was training to be a mountain guide and a wise mentor told me that my job was to, “Keep your clients alive.” He then added, “And, your client’s job is to get killed any way that they can!”

The two sentences shocked me, but then I got it. My job required me to constantly be alert for danger in the mountains, to be in shape, to be aware, to know the terrain…and to know my clients so I could be a step ahead of them, a step behind them and walking beside them at each moment of the trek.

My mentor was really telling me that to serve as a guide or leader I had a huge responsibility on my shoulders – and I should prepare accordingly!

What is real and true…

I learned immediately that for a mountain guide to be prepared meant being physically and mentally capable of doing twice the effort than it should actually take to do the trip.

I named it the “Double-Double” Principle. If the climb would take 12 hours and require carrying 20 pounds of gear, then I made sure that I could climb for 24 hours and carry 40 pounds of gear. It was a great motivation for me to train, be in shape, be ready and be prepared. It was a way to make sure that the valuable life entrusted to me would be safe.

Though my days as a mountain guide are long over, I reflect on the places in my life today where the “Double-Double” Principle applies in my life.

Cherokee Creek Boys School

Most of us are not usually asked to make sure people don’t fall off a mountain cliff or get attacked by a bear. However, in our guiding roles as dad, husband, mother, wife or mentor there are many places where we must be alert for danger, be in shape, be aware, know the terrain and exert twice the effort than we thought it would take to get the job done!

So, here’s a challenge for you to think about…

Recently, I asked our student body what they would want their parents to be prepared for as guides in their life. Here is what they shared:

• Hold your boundaries with me
• Share your life story with me
• Go to therapy – “Do your work”
• Trust that I will come to you if I have an issue
• Remind me of the tools I can use when I get frustrated or out of balance
• Take a time out if we are getting loud with each other
• Reassure and support me

The journey continues…

Are you prepared and trained for the “Double-Double” with your child? Let’s lace up our shoes and get started.

David