Have you seen the movie "Alpinist"?  It chronicles the life of Marc Andre LeClerc.  Marc was one of the greatest climbers of his generation.  He put up numerous first ascents throughout the world, many of them during the mountain winters.  He seemed fearless:  nothing stopped him.  His endurance and exploits attained nearly legendary status.

    When Marc tragically perished in an avalanche while climbing in southern Alaska, the climbing world mourned.  Hundreds of well wishers traveled from across the globe for his memorial service.  Not only did Marc impress on the mountain peaks, but in interpersonal relations as well:  everyone liked him.

    When Marc's mother spoke at his memorial service, she noted that, "God gave me Marc."  Quite true.  From Marc's earliest days, his mother observed that he would not pursue a conventional career.  His energy and ambitions were not suited for normality.  To her credit, she let Marc pursue his dreams.  And he did.

    The eleventh chapter of Ecclesiastes urges the young person to follow the impulses/ways of his/her heart and the desires/sights of his/her eyes.  To seek to be all that God created him/her to be.

    Even in a broken world.  The grand tension of our human lives is balancing the enormity of our gifts with the fractured nature of existence.

    And amidst it all, to believe in God.