Down in the Valley

   Mountain top experiences with God don't usually come on us because we plan to have them, they are orchestrated by God for us. We can put ourselves in the places where we might have these moments, but it is not up to us. They happen in God's time and for His purpose.

   Chambers gives us a glimpse into this today:

   "We are not made for the mountains, for sunrises, or for the other beautiful attractions in life, those are simply intended to be moments of inspiration. We are made for the valley and the ordinary things of life, and that is where we have to prove our stamina and strength."

   I think again this morning about the pilgrims on the Walk to Emmaus this weekend. Almost everyone that attends one of these comes back praising God, because of the great love that has been showered on them over the 4 day period. It is indeed a spiritual high, and I have experienced it like so many others.

   But the real message from God in all of this is not the wonderful experience on the mountain top, it is the call to service, to leave that spot and go down into the valley. The peak of a mountain is a pretty small place, and I cannot live there. Living is down where the people are.

   My heart is moved when I hear others telling how God has blessed them during a special time, and I remember the same feelings, but I can look back and see how that happening occupied only a small portion of my life.

   Just as I cannot continually hang on to a time of spiritual awareness, and try to conjure up another one, I cannot spend my time planning another time like it. Life is what happens while we are waiting for the future blessing.

   I have indeed been blessed, now I want my life to be one.

   There is an old song from long ago:

   "Down in the valley, valley so low
    Hang your head over, hear the wind blow"

   That is where I truly serve, and where life is lived.