I joined thirteen million people who watched Nik Wallenda become the first to walk a high wire across Niagara Falls. Nik, often referred to as the “King of the High Wire”, is a seventh generation entertainer. His daring, skill and integrity is only shadowed by his love for his God and his family. During his two hour walk in the dark handicapped by wind, rain, cold, mist television lights and cameras he prayed for his walk, his family.
Niagara Falls, specifically Horseshoe Falls, is 2,600 feet across with a vertical drop of 188 feet. The volume of water averages 100,000 cubic feet per second. The green color of the water originates in Lake Erie and picks up 60 tons/minute of sand and rock.
Wallenda’s walk had me transfixed for two full hours. I was impressed, in awe and knew his book; Balance, A story of Faith, Family, and Life on the Line, would be on my reading list. It wasn’t the thrill that kept me watching. It wasn’t the rain or the challenge he had in the dark high about the falls. During the walk, he prayed for his walk, his family, God’s will and his sure footing. It was fascinating to watch and listen as a world famous entertainer gave God the glory. Nik Wallenda is a Christian.
I’ve finished the book. He writes about his growing up years, his family, the challenges of making a living in the circus world and he quotes scripture throughout. His personal motto is a phrase very appropriate for many of us.
“Life is on the wire; everything else is just waiting.”
You and I may not walk a high wire but as Christian leaders, Chaplains and Pastors we all walk a line. A different line. Not a high wire line, but a line of truth.
Leadership is deciding what your line is and walking it daily.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group