Top of the Mountain

"Don't be discouraged. It's often the last key tried that opens the lock."

October 14, 2019

The year is 1847; the place is the territory of New Mexico. The people are a tiny handful of men and women with a dream. Eleven months ago, they started out from Ohio and headed west. Someone told them about a place called California, about a warm sun and a blue sky, about rich land and fresh air, and at this moment, almost a year later, they've seen nothing but cold, heat, exhaustion, hunger, and sickness. This man's name is Christian Horn. He has a dying eight-year-old son and a heartsick wife, and he's the only one remaining who has even a fragment of the dream left. Mr. Chris Horn, who's going over the top of a rim to look for water and sustenance and in a moment, will move into the Twilight Zone.

In this episode of Rod Serling's acclaimed American television series The Twilight Zone, we meet the Horn family making the cross country journey from Ohio to sunny California. Mr. Horn leaves his family at a campground to search for water, supplies, and resources to help his sick son and ailing wife. When Mr. Horn reaches the top of the mountain, he notices a paved road, power lines, and a speeding truck. In disbelief of what was being witnessed, Horn accidentally fires his rifle, injuring his arm in the process.

Further down this paved road, Mr. Horn sees a little gas station which startles him, considering he has only seen what life has to offer from an 1847 perspective. Now venturing down the paved road, Horn walks towards the only building he notices. Once entering the building, Mr. Horn collapses from exhaustion. The building owner calls for emergency personnel for help. Once the doctor arrives, they are perplexed because nothing about Mr. Chris Horn is typical for the year 1961. Not his clothes, rifle, or hair. Everything is archaic. The doctor gives Horn penicillin and tells him that it will cure any infection. As Mr. Horn sits and waits for further instructions, he recognizes an encyclopedia containing information about the Horn family. He reads that Christian Horn Jr. became a successful doctor and did distinguished work on childhood diseases. Once reading this, Horn drops his rifle and hurries back towards the ridge and returns to his campground. He gives his son the penicillin and water to his family they so badly needed.

Rod Serling uses the Horn family to encourage us to strengthen our level of perseverance. To keep fighting, regardless of how challenging the situation. We might not feel like we are close to our aspirations today, but neither did Mr. Chris Horn. Yet, he kept walking when he was tired. He kept moving when he was hungry, and most of all, Horn kept searching for solutions when his son and family needed him. Serling wants us not to become defeated in the face of obstacles. As the great saying goes, "Don't be discouraged. It's often the last key tried that opens the lock."

As you navigate today, remember, you are much closer than you think. Braver than you believe and stronger than you seem. Do not die with your dreams still inside you. Keep fighting the good fight while showing up for yourself and those you lead. Understand falling down is a part of life. Getting back up is living. And inside every difficulty, there are hidden opportunities to learn, grow, and discover!

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