"Great things are done when men and mountains meet:  this is not done by jostling in the street."  William Blake

No matter how noble our cause or heroic our goal it often seems that the most daunting challenges we face are the jobs, bureaucracy and daily frustrations that conspire to make us focus our vision on just surviving another week. 

In long distance ocean swims we push ourselves in isolation surviving and moving forward until a little support arrives every half hour or so at the end of a rope along with encouragement and prodding from a committed crew always just a few yards away.  While the swimmer stares into the abyss, there are always those nearby who not only believe in the goal but can more clearly see where we are going, the course to travel and the threats along the way. 

The details of a passionate and purpose driven life are unique to each of us, but the challenges that work to pull us from that course are common to us all.  There will always be uncertainty and fear, and the more time we allow ourselves to get pulled into the scuffle in the streets the harder it can become to regain the confidence and courage to pursue with passion the call we have heard.

When I find myself in the streets I must hold onto that vision of the summit or shore.  I have learned I must keep moving forward and watch for the rope to arrive exactly when its most needed to sustain and guide me to where I am supposed to be.