Hills and Valleys

Looking back at my life I can see all the hills and valleys that come with the events of my life. With each significant valley I notice that it is easy to judge it as something that will last forever. And that because I'm in a valley, I also am failing at life. It is easy to judge ourselves harshly when things aren't going well. But then looking back I can see how my valley moments have helped me to grow in ways I never would have. They have also helped me feel greater compassion for others and support them where they are. Valleys are not failure. Many times they help me understand others better. I am more patient. I am humbled where I needed to be. I can see better, more clearly.
I am grateful for the valleys in my life where I can appreciate the sweet moments more. I can see Gods hand in my life guiding me and my children in miraculous ways. One thing leads to another, building on the one before. What looks hopeless, is just learning. God is so patient. When I am weak and think I know better, He is there helping me see that He had it all in His plan the whole time and that it's going to be ok. I want to control and hurry things along. To get things fixed so we can move forward. But as I slow down and accept my circumstances I can see we are all in process. Especially me. Each step leads to another. What we go through leads to other opportunities if we let it. I am learning more each day, there is purpose in valleys. I appreciate them, even when my heart hurts. Because I have seen His divine hand in my life and the lives of those I love. My plan doesn't look like His. And His is so much better!
If your heart is hurting right now, I hope you know that my heart goes out to you. I hope you know you are not alone especially for things that are difficult to talk about. We don't want to share the hard when it involves others as well, to protect those we love. But it is still hard. And it's ok. I hope you can be patient with yourself as these hard things come. I hope you can feel Gods love for you. That you can know that you are seen and known, especially in the valleys. Much Love my friend!