Blessings in the Valley

As Easter approaches each year, I try to think through what the Easter story means to me with what I am facing that year.  This year two things have really been a blessing to me...to think our Heavenly Father KNOWS firsthand what it is like to watch his only Son suffer...brings me hope and encouragement.  Second, I know we've been chosen to walk a hard path and that suffering is a chance to walk in the steps of Jesus and so I'm grateful.  We often want to KNOW him and the POWER of his resurrection but don't want to WALK in his sufferings.  Although this is not a place I willingly go (I've been known in the past to refuse to sing the old Steve Green song "Refiner's Fire" because I couldn't ever say honestly it was my sole desire...) it is a good place...a place that fits in well with Easter.  I have a Savior who understands the road of suffering...and a Heavenly Father who knows just how hard it is to watch your child struggle...I am grateful this Easter.

Life in the valley is quiet..it's simple...sometimes it's sweeter.  You no longer feel inspired by the latest blog article to get up early and be productive, because you are busy realizing life is a gift..so you walk hand in hand collecting stickerballs on a Sunday morning before church.  No one expects you to be doing everything..so you spend time resting, praying, just being because you know the valley is about to possibly go deeper.  You aren't afraid..because you know the GOD who goes before you..but's like a separate reality that is very different than the life you used to live.  You have to pray for a shift in priorities...you have to realize that emotions aren't reliable here...you have to look around you and choose thankfulness because God is sending His love each day through so many people.  And all the time I can relate to my Savior in a new way...and wonder what LOVE would compel Him to keep walking knowing what He knew on the road to Calvary.  Thanks Father for giving us a high priest who would understand our weaknesses and be our example.  Thanks for being with us in the valley..it's quiet..it's different here..but without all the extras I can hear you more clearly.