There Is Growth in the Valley

Purple Mountain FlowerThe car was loaded with stuffed backpacks, sparkling water, and cell phone cameras. It was a crystal clear Southern California day, ideal for hiking. Apparently, it was the ladybug season; we found them everywhere—all of them were in our way, it seemed. Let’s just say the hike wasn’t perfect, but the mountain top was magically majestic. It was worth the hike! The climb had forced us to be resourceful, which multiplied our delight at the top . . . but, unfortunately, no one can stay on the mountain top forever.

Several years ago, I watched my son significantly regress; I felt like I was staring up at Mt. Everest as we were sliding down. Someone sent this poem to me during that time. I hope it will offer you glistening hope from God who is in the heavens.

It’s In the Valleys I Grow
by Jane J. Eggleston

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe.
It’s then I have to remember
That it’s in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced some pain
I would never appreciate God’s love
And I would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow.
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it’s in the valleys that I grow.

I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do
But, I am very sure of one thing,
My Lord will see me through.

He’s never failed me yet
Since His grace I’ve come to know,
And I can face life’s problems
For it’s in the valleys I grow.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death
His victory was Satan’s loss.

Forgive me, Lord, for complaining
When I’m feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it’s in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.

Thank you for the valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it’s in the valleys I grow.[ref]Copyright © 1977, 2005 by Jane J. Eggleston (Williamsburg, Virginia). All rights reserved. Used by permission.[/ref]