the valley

Life does not always end up as planned.... well,at least our plan. And, since we cannot see God's plan, we hang on, pray, and trust.  Sounds all nice and pretty, doesn't it?  Something to hang on the wall.  Tie a big ribbon on it.  Something found in a Bible store.  Or a well meaning friend might say.

But, when you are in the middle of life's mess, it's hard.  Sometimes there is no relief in sight.  Sometimes it is months of silent tears.  Prayers with no answers yet.  Day by day, you hang on knowing that God has got you through hard stuff before.  Wondering why your prayers can't be answered now....today.

We all have these valleys.  This life is full of a lot of...well, crap.  Miscarriage.  Infertility. Abuse.   Death.  Job Loss.  Divorce.  Plus, so much more.  This world that we live in is not easy.  Hopefully there are many years in between the valleys.  And lots of wonderful memories with family and friends.  Laughter... laughing so hard you cry.  And moments of true rest and happiness.  But, at some point, we will be in the depth of the valley once again. 

Hopefully, when that day comes, a friend will show up to be God's arms.  To help shoulder the burden your going through.  To listen and to love you through the valley, step by step.  We all need that friend in those moments.  So, look around at the circle around you.  What struggles are they going through?  How are they really doing? 

Take the time to check on them.  Take the time to see how they are really doing.  Don't accept the generic, "fine, how are you?"  Be the friend that goes deeper.  Be God's shoulder and arms to some one struggling in your life.  Because you never know, when your path will take you into a valley.