Recently my friend Jason shared a Japanese saying with me: "In life there are mountains and there are valleys."
I guess I've been enjoying a valley long enough now that it's about time to begin climbing another mountain. Trouble is, I don't particularly want to travel a mountain right now, particularly since part of it is old familiar ground. Every time I think I'm past it, it happens again.
Got the unexpected yet not surprising phone call today that a particularly lovely valley was over. Wasn't too happy about that, but it's not something that I can control. In some ways that makes it easier, but in other ways it makes it more difficult. Planned on going running to get out my anger, but instead talked with my sister Alyssa and tried a new hairstyle on her. She had a good cry during which I tried my best to be strong. I cried a little, but not as much as I wanted to inside. Good thing I prevented the dam from breaking or there would have been a flood!
Even though I'm not happy with events taking place right now, God's timing is as always impeccable. Further events which are to take place in a couple days are forcing me to deal with things sooner than I would otherwise choose, which is good for me. Not to mention the interesting service opportunities which have been placed in my way lately. Helping a new girl in the ward who is 19, pregnant, and whose boyfriend is currently incarcerated. Made me have a new perspective of life. And the incredible thing is how much God's hand was in the visits with this girl. The home teachers prepared the way, and then my sweet friend Susie came with me to the visit. She was literally a gift from God. She was supposed to be there with me because Susie's personality and experiences can touch this girl's life in ways that I cannot, nor can anyone else. I'm grateful for God's guidance during our lives--even when we can't see his hand until much further down the road.
I'm substituting in the Temple tomorrow, which is an incredible blessing. My soul needs to serve in the Temple right now. And I'm grateful for people who love me and want to be my friend even when they are hurt by those who should be the greatest love and support in their lives.
Despite the awful news this morning, I had a beautiful day, which in itself was full of mini mountains and valleys. Lyssa and I went to the local waterpark, Seven Peaks because we needed to relax, and that was fun. Afterwards a bunch of friends came over to listen to Brad and his friends jam jazz music on the back porch. We ate ice cream and had a spectacular time. It was very needed, and very healing.
Francis Hodgson Burnett said:
“Hang in there. It is astonishing how short a time it can take for very wonderful things to happen.”
I guess it's time to just hang on and just keep on climbing. Pretty soon there may be an incredible view which I would not have been able to see from the valley.
