I've heard it recently stated that one's relationship with God is that of Mountain-Top experiences and Valley experiences. But I disagree. I think there is one more experience that has been left out. But first let me clarify what he described to be Mountain-Top and Valley experiences.


On the Mountain:
This is where you feel energized. It's the equivalent of the roller-coaster highs.
Standing atop Mount Everest you are above the storm clouds and there is nothing between you and the Son. It's the experience that gives you goosebumps and you just want to shout you are so thrilled and full of energy. You have been refreshed.

Up top there are no distractions, there are no set backs. You are on the highest of highs. But he made a good point; vegetation does not grow on the Mountain-Top. You need to go beneath the storm clouds to get the nourishment of rain to truly grow.


The Valley:
Whether it is because we are so determined to share what we've learned that we run down the mountain side, or because we stumble and fall...we will continue to visit the Valley because that is where life exists and grows. Sometimes it's a soft slope back down to the valley, other times it's a quick steep slope. However and whenever we get there, we will return.

This is a place where life grows and flourishes. Some days the sky is clear of distractions and the Son is so easy to see. There is no mistaking the presence of the Son. But some days clouds of distraction fill the sky and you can occasionally see the Son break through the clouds. And other days storm clouds fill the sky bringing challenge into the Valley. The Son is hidden and the rain falls down. Sometimes the rain lasts for a short while, but sometimes the storm seems to last forever until you forget that the Son is up there in the sky, ever present as always. But someday the storm will pass. Some day you will see the Son again and remember his constant presence. And the grass will be green again, more luscious than before.



The third category is the in-between. The best of both worlds. The ideal (in my opinion). It is what I like to refer to as...

The Hill:
Much like the Valley this place is one that experiences the storms, the clouds, and the Son. There is no lack of experience on any front. It experiences that of the Valley, but the outcome varies. When you are on top of the Hill, you are not hidden by shadows. You rise above the shadows that try to hide parts of the Valley from the Son. When the rain comes, your endurance is higher. You soak up what you need in order to be challenged to grow, but the rest runs down the sides of the Hill so as not to cause flooding.

On the Hill you stand above the rest. But don't let it get to your head. It is not because of accomplishment that you reside there. If it weren't for the Son you would merely be a desert without vegetation. But if you are so energized that boasting must occur, boast in the Son...because that is why you are where you are.

Like a lighthouse on the shore, you are a metaphorical light. How you handle the clear days of Son and the stormy days of down-pouring rain can spread either hope or fear throughout the Valley. So be careful and be aware.

It may be an honor and a blessing to be on the Hill, but it is no easy experience. It is a well known fact that when a storm hits, the lightning will be attracted to the highest point in the Valley; you. The Hill-top experience is a target for trouble and challenge. But enduring the storm of piercing electricity is far worth the shadowless days where nothing is in the sky but the Son.



So where are you? Where do you want to be?

I am where I want to be, the challenge is remaining here. I did not get here on my own, and I will try my very best to remind myself daily that I will not remain here on my own either. One "I can handle this on my own" experience during a storm and the rain will cause the landslide bringing me back down to the Valley.

I don't want to leave the Hill. The blessings I have experienced on the Hill has far outweighed any experience I have ever had before. The Valley and the Mountain-Top do not and could not begin to compare to the Hill. I only pray that I find both the strength and the boldness from the the Son to remain on this Hill to continue to glorify God in every which way that I can.


Continuing to reflect the light of the Son, even during the storms, is by far the greatest honor and best blessing I have ever received. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world, and I hope it stays that way.

Thank you so much Lord! I love you with all of my being!

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