Mountain-High / Valley-Low

Mine is a simple mind; the obvious sometimes eludes me. If our lives were made up of mountain peaks, how would we know? The valleys are a must if we are to know the wonder of the mountaintop. I know this because the last several months have been filled with both.

There have been some unusual and challenging times at work, but it's been that way for the last 16 years. Believe me, I've learned some hard lessons during my time as leader of an average of 45 people in a manufacturing setting. First, if you have more than one person working in a business, there will be personality differences; learn to deal with it. Second, pick your battles; no one can fight all the battles and have enough energy to fight the ones that really matter. Third, be sure to have a friend who will let you vent, keep all your confidences AND hold you accountable.

One thing you can count on when on the mountain - SNOW. And we had some beautiful snows in January and February. But April brought deadly tornados and May brought devastating floods. See, there are even highs and lows in the weather.

As a family we rushed to Molly's side when she had 2 serious seizures. And we mourn, even now, the passing of our friend, Tony, who died much too soon. We prayed as we awaited tests results which would reveal whether our cousin had multiple sclerosis. Today Molly is doing much better on meds. Tony's death has been another time for God to show His glory as we looked back on his life and the impact he had on all of us. And my cousin doesn't have MS!!

Our church family has seen the home-going of several precious saints. Their absence has left a hole in our hearts, but we know we will see them one day. We've also seen God heal some folks here on earth. We celebrate with those who are in remission, and we love on the ones whose health becomes more precarious by the day.

There have been two very personal mountain-high experiences for me. On Palm Sunday morning the BBC choir, orchestra and audio folks led us in worship through the musical, Love Is Alive. Those who know me, know that music touches my soul and spirit in a way only God can manage. And this past Thursday morning as I read Psalm 15 and Isaiah 40, I released a burden that has caused me much pain over the past months. In Isaiah 40 I saw the greatness of God and was reminded that He is sovereign and nothing happens without His directive or permissive will. I was also reminded that I cannot change other people; I can pray for them, but that power of change is not in me. In Psalm 15 I was reminded that there is a particular way that God calls me to live and I will do better to work on that in the power of the Holy Spirit and leave the heart-changing work in others to the One who can handle it.

The release of this burden to my Holy Father was a freeing experience. As my pastor told me weeks ago, there was a mighty warfare going on over me and it was making me sick. Now I can smile and laugh again; major irritations are now only minor and better laughed at than cried over. I think Chuck Swindoll was quoting someone else when he said something to the effect that Peace is that moment between battles when both sides stop to reload. I don't doubt the devil will try to create havoc in my life again; he hates that we love Jesus and want to be like Him. But God has given me this respite to rest in Him and reload through His word and prayer.

Mountain-Highs and Valley-Lows. They're the stuff of this earthly life. But with Paul we say, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 (NASB)