In 1924 a group of explorers tried to climb Mount Everest and failed. They attempted twice to tackle the mountain but with no success. The group lost two of its members in the second effort. After the failed endeavor they met with a group of supporters in London to raise funds for yet another expedition.

     On stage, one of the hikers stood up and gave a rousing speech of determination. He was persuaded that his team could indeed conquer the mountain if given enough time and support. He closed his remarks by stating, “Mount Everest cannot grow larger, but we can.”

     The obstacles we face and the mountains we climb can sometimes appear daunting and unmovable. The one advantage we have however is that we can grow, we can get stronger, and we can become wiser. It takes a spirit of resolve and faith to climb the mountains of life. Our failures can actually become our successes if we properly glean from our experiences.

     Thomas Edison said, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Walk up the mountain one more time. Everest doesn’t get any bigger, but you can!