Up or Down - Always One or The Other
Have you ever had a random meeting with an acquaintance that totally transformed your thinking? My daughter was babysitting Saturday night and got sick. My husband and I rushed to her aid. As I waited for the grandmother to arrive to resume the babysitting schedule, I had no idea what was about to transpire.
The grandmother and I were exchanging friendly conversation, when this sweet woman mentioned a marriage class she and her husband teach. (My mentor once told me, “When in the presence of wisdom and knowledge, ask as many questions as you can.”) This thought crossed my mind, so I asked, “Do you have a happy marriage?” She hesitantly said, “Yes, I do.” I asked her to share 3 keys to a successful marriage. We talked about communication and dedication, but here is the priceless nugget I gleaned.
Have you ever been to the top of a mountain? When you get to the top the view is absolutely gorgeous. You can relax and enjoy the peaceful beauty. However, if you look around, there is no growth on top of a mountain. Once you reach a certain altitude, plants, trees, and life cease to grow. Now picture a valley. In the valley there are lush green trees, blossoming flowers, fertile soil and thriving grass.
Isn’t this like life- full of mountains and valleys? When we are on the mountaintops, we rest and enjoy the beauty. We soak in the blessings that God has provided. However, on those successful peaks and in smooth sailing months there is usually no growth. We become stagnant and self-reliant.
In the valleys of life, though, we stretch and strain through the trials and challenges of marriages, finances, loss, health, or family. It’s in those valleys, that we grow. During those seasons we move to new levels of maturity, discipline, strength, and trust in Christ.
Life is full of peaks and valleys. You will usually find yourself in one or the other. The goal is to recognize where you are and be thankful. Appreciate the times of rest and then be grateful when God wants to grow you into so much more. Search for the way he wants to change, mold, or teach you when you are helpless in the valley.
No matter where you find yourself, on good old Rocky top or in the valley of the shadow of death, keep your focus turned up. Praising God in the good and seeking his transformation in the troubling depths. Let it never be said of us, "They turn, but not upward to the Most High." Hosea 7:14 Instead let our goal always be, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace."
The grandmother and I were exchanging friendly conversation, when this sweet woman mentioned a marriage class she and her husband teach. (My mentor once told me, “When in the presence of wisdom and knowledge, ask as many questions as you can.”) This thought crossed my mind, so I asked, “Do you have a happy marriage?” She hesitantly said, “Yes, I do.” I asked her to share 3 keys to a successful marriage. We talked about communication and dedication, but here is the priceless nugget I gleaned.
Have you ever been to the top of a mountain? When you get to the top the view is absolutely gorgeous. You can relax and enjoy the peaceful beauty. However, if you look around, there is no growth on top of a mountain. Once you reach a certain altitude, plants, trees, and life cease to grow. Now picture a valley. In the valley there are lush green trees, blossoming flowers, fertile soil and thriving grass.
Isn’t this like life- full of mountains and valleys? When we are on the mountaintops, we rest and enjoy the beauty. We soak in the blessings that God has provided. However, on those successful peaks and in smooth sailing months there is usually no growth. We become stagnant and self-reliant.
In the valleys of life, though, we stretch and strain through the trials and challenges of marriages, finances, loss, health, or family. It’s in those valleys, that we grow. During those seasons we move to new levels of maturity, discipline, strength, and trust in Christ.
Life is full of peaks and valleys. You will usually find yourself in one or the other. The goal is to recognize where you are and be thankful. Appreciate the times of rest and then be grateful when God wants to grow you into so much more. Search for the way he wants to change, mold, or teach you when you are helpless in the valley.
No matter where you find yourself, on good old Rocky top or in the valley of the shadow of death, keep your focus turned up. Praising God in the good and seeking his transformation in the troubling depths. Let it never be said of us, "They turn, but not upward to the Most High." Hosea 7:14 Instead let our goal always be, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace."
posted by Stephanie Chase @ 6:24 PM
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