Valleys of the Everyday.

The other day I woke up in the morning discontented.  I had dreamed I was in college, in Chicago.  The leaves were changing, the weather was perfect, the sky was blue.  There were red balloons everywhere and excitement was all around because it was missions week at college.  There I was, in the middle of a beautiful big city, caught up in the beauty of serving God.  And it seemed perfect.

But it was a dream.  I woke up.

Oswald Chambers reminded me that day, "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."  Jesus took a few of His disciples up on the mountain to be inspired, but they couldn't stay there.  Life isn't all mountaintop experiences with Christ, it's real.  Real life is often mundane, harsh, customary, bothersome, and just plain demanding.

The other day my boss at work really gave me an inspiring pep talk.  Even though this year isn't the mountaintop experience I expected it to me, I need to be faithful during my trials.  I need to continue to be a good steward during this time.  He mentioned that often we ask God to strengthen us and use us but then we don't expect it to be difficult.  But it is.  However, this builds character.

I want character.  A year ago I thought I was strong, but that was because I was ignorant of troubles.  A year later, I'm a stronger person because I've faced the trials and overcome. 

I'm still dreaming of Chi-town in the Autumn, with red balloons, missions week, and good friends.  However, I see that the valley times aren't all that unnecessary.  They only make us stronger so we can really relate to others and become more useful to God.  If I'm faithful in valley, the mountaintops will just seem that much more great.

God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
  Unfailing sympathy, undying love.