The rope cut hard into my ribs stopping my fall. The taught safety line held, but the momentum swung me into the rock face with a bone-jarring thud. The pain surged through my veins, but I was safe and decided to take in the view. Devil’s Lake was always beautiful in the fall and climbing the face of it increased my appreciation of nature.

I was no expert rock climber like those who had the special shoes, pouch of talc and strap filled with carabiners. I merely had a sense of adventure. It brought about similar feelings that filmmaking did, but with much more adrenaline in the moment.

The experience brought out a sense of relevance to my life. Maybe it was the risk factor that placed my life in jeopardy or the thrill that came from overcoming the odds. In either case, the thoughts provoked by the climb became a filter for the following three weeks – Bringing a new awareness or meaning to life.

The climb and flexible strategy for making my way up the face was always interesting, and the amazing view to die for. This was partly due to the exploration of a place that I had never been to before, coupled with a rush of accomplishment, while surrounded by impeccable beauty.

Adventurous explorations of any kind shifted my perspective to those things that were relevant, interesting and amazing. While I rarely noticed it in most films, that same eye-opening sense showed up within excellent movies like Gravity, The Blind Side, and Les Miserables.

It made me wonder if leaders, pastors and screenwriters were missing something – Something very important.

What if our leaders would live a life that is relevant, interesting and amazing?

Would you be drawn to their words? I would.

I’ve done some amazing things in life like escaping from handcuffs in front of the Chief of Police, shooting a surgical video inside of a woman’s sinus cavity, and watching myself being operated on in a hospital. And the list goes on.

The “interesting” part seems to go hand in hand with amazing experiences. People are genuinely curious when they hear true accounts that are beyond their understandings. In fact, there’s a bit of a fascination that accompanies bizarre occurrences. And, my life is filled with them.

The biggest struggle for me is in the area of being relevant for the sake of those around me. I seem to be surrounded by such an eclectic group of people that I’m not sure what part of my life is worth sharing with others. Or, if I have any thing relevant to share that’s worth their time.

You see, when I’m with another person I feel that it’s my moral obligation to bless them in some way. I know that might sound a bit strange, but I really feel a compulsion to encourage and inspire those with whom I come into contact. This is mostly due to all the blessings I’ve received in life, which I believe can be passed on to others.

Years ago, I was climbing the face of Devil’s Lake bluffs with a group of friends. One in particular told me that it was okay to feel the fear that arose each time my foot slipped or my grip weakened. He reminded me that our time on earth is short and when we realize it, the beauty found in each moment becomes magnified. In those moments we are able to share a blessing with others – Sharing the essence of life with them from the depths of our hearts.

My friend was right about that passion for life and love. There is something very relevant that pours from an authentic person in the moment. Some how, regardless of the times and political atmosphere of the day, our passion to love someone becomes very relevant to the recipient.

I figure that’s why people who go through a divorce recovery group together form a special bond. Or, why Jesus told his followers that those around them would be drawn to him when they see believers loving each other. Love will always be relevant.

I’d like the opportunity to make a movie, write a book and present at a speaking engagement a story that demonstrates what happens to us when we see an amazing and interesting life filled with relevance. I believe the audience would greatly value that moment in their own life.

What are your thoughts?