Walking through the Valley

Valleys can be more than just dark and desolate places. I see them more of a journey through times of trial. Good, bad, dark and bleak, light and bright. To me these are times not of rest but of work and unknown. At times they also seem like they are fairly constant. The times in this life where we seem like we are at peace - everything has come together and we can enjoy the moment... they are fairly few and far between. There is always something we are dealing with. Be it work, family, personal, relational, whatever. For me it just sweetens the anticipation of what awaits at the end of the journey. To sit and dine at the Maser's table. To enjoy the wedding feast. Oh to dwell in the house of the Lord... But it also would be wise to dwell in the moment that are so rare - no matter how faint. Enjoy those times when the Lord has brought you to a place of peace. It will never be complete until we are home... don't wait for everything to be perfect. I am talking about those times when you are struggling with a child and then something clicks, or even when you check is balanced. Take a moment to be like the one leper - come back and give thanks to the One who done this in your life. It is a glimpse of what awaits. Verse for today: Luke 17:11-19. ESV On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, [6] who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” [7]