A Test of the Human Spirit
Muril Clift offers this story for keeping perspective:
Most of us live our lives trying to make the best of the surroundings we find ourselves a part of. We seek some challenges in our work and try to participate in our communities through our children, church or community activities. Very few will “put it all on the line” to challenge themselves to achieve goals beyond most of our dreams. Although everything we do daily is the most important thing to us, consider the great adventure of Zac Sunderland.
A week ago this young man age 16 left Long Beach, alone, aboard a 36 foot sailboat for a journey to challenge himself with the ultimate test. The first leg of his journey is a 4500 mile 5 week sail to the Marshall Islands. 5 weeks alone at sea, testing his physical ability and even greater his mental ability to cope with loneliness and the unknowns he will have to conquer. From the Marshall’s he plans to continue his quest to sail around the world and become the youngest person to accomplish that goal. You can follow his efforts online at www.zacsunderland.com.
When you get down or discouraged think of Zac and his minute by minute challenge to stay alive and conquer his internal doubts knowing there is little help for him out there other than his own resources. Even if he does not accomplish his ultimate goal he will have know he has challenged himself to the ultimate limit and can face any future challenges as man.
Zac’s dream of sailing around the world and his pursue of the dream by putting together the sponsors who are making it happen is an example to all of us. Although our dreams and passions may not be as lofty as Zac’s I hope he is an inspiration to you to carry forward with whatever you consider your important contribution to the human spirit.
God’s speed Zac.
Last 5 posts by Muril Clift
July 25th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
[...] constituents’ concerns that had been posted and contributing a human interest story about Zac Sunderland, perhaps to remind everyone it isn’t ALL About Cambria. Other members of the community who have [...]
August 21st, 2008 at 11:19 am
Update on “A Test of the Human Spirit”
Each day when I turn on my computer I first go to http://www.zacsunderland.com to get my positive charge for the day.
Eight weeks ago he began his incredible voyage to sail around the world before his 18th birthday. He is now passing just south of Quadalcannel in the Soloman Islands about 1500 mile from his next destination, Darwin, Australia. He is entering the most dangerous portion of his journey, an area with sever currents, submerged atolls, and believe it or not priates off New Guinea and Indonesia.
I am amazed an uplifted at what young people can do. We hear so many comments about young people “going to hell”, but I think the future is really bright when we have young people stepping up to challenges like Zac and our young Olympic athletes. Locally we have an example in our new Cambria Honorary Mayor 16 year old Max Stuczynski. Mayor Max is an example of youth helping youth. The money he raised to win the Mayor’s contest (an isn’t politics all about money?) all will go to the Cambria Teen Center.
So despite all the daily troubles we think are the most important in the world the best way to face them in prespective is to start your day with the insiration of some one else, Zac, family, your god, friends - pick one and start your day feeling good.