It seems like life is one long climb to the summit more often than not. Lots of dilemmas and decisions… Anyone agree; fewer periods of easy coasting?

Mountaineer Jenn Drummond advises a climber to know her limits. 

“The mountain will always be there, so one failed attempt does not mean you have only 1 shot; it just means it’s easier to take yourself out of the game for that round than lose everything.”

I’ve been asking the same question: do I know when to fold ‘em, whether it’s  a temporary pause or a full out burial? What’s the difference between a wise surrender or simply just giving up? I’ve struggled with the folding part all my life, but hey, I don’t think I’m  alone. Look at Tom Brady!  When you invest your all into a goal, a mission , a career, a relationship, it’s hard to close that chapter because you leave a huge part of yourself behind. 

But that’s not really the question at hand: when is it best for you and the whole? Some signposts are clear: for me, a worn meniscus that can still avoid a total knee replacement shouts “wiser to walk away,” but some remain cloudy. 

1 Corinthians 12:25 offers me a very clear answer though: is it hurting the whole?