Challenge

Today in one of my college-level classes, I was asked to list the importance of different values in my life. The paper before me listed several wonderful things, such as integrity, love, creativity, and power. One item on the list struck me, however. Challenge. While things like integrity are key to my character, and things like creativity are definitive of my personality, challenge stopped me in my mental tracks. The more I thought of it, the more I realized how valuable challenge can be to an individual, and the potential power it holds.

Definition 5 on dictionary.com fits my perspective perfectly.

chal·lenge [chal-inj]

difficulty in a job or undertaking that is stimulating to one engaged in it

Thinking on this, I marveled at the prospect of challenge. When facing a crisis, I always analyze the situation, deduce my options on how to deal with that situation, and make a decision. Once that decision has been made, I follow through and (if possible) avoid or solve the problem. This usually takes milliseconds, and I don't even notice. What I never think of, though, is the challenge I have faced and defeated. Challenge can be horrific, but if faced properly, it can make a person better. I feel that every challenge holds potential for progress, and if dealt with correctly, will make a person stronger.

The more I think about challenge, the more I value it. Challenge ushers motivation to progress oneself. This progress can be physical, mental, social, emotional, or spiritual. Challenge knows no bounds, and the only limit with challenge is one's response to it. Without challenge, we become stagnant. Challenge holds the power to change every facet of an environment, but only through those who choose to face that challenge. So with that in mind, think about the challenges in your life, and their potential to make you a stronger person.

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." - James 1:2-4 NLT

And with that, I say challenge accepted.