Peaks and Valleys

 Unexpectedly, the subject of baptism has come up three times in the last week. Baptism is an outward sign denoting to oneself and the community the fundamental change in heart, mind and spirit caused by God’s grace. I believe the worldwide Christian church can agree on this basic definition but how and when we go about it varies amongst believers. I’m not here to debate the merits of anyone’s understanding of the Sacrament of Baptism or make judgement on anyone else’s baptism. When you set aside all the differences the most important thing remains – God in his grace embracing us and us responding in gratitude by submitting to his Lordship. While the sign last for only a few moments, the action it symbolizes is a lifelong process filled with peaks and valleys of progress and regression.

When I find myself in the peaks looking out over the beautiful landscape of my relationship with God, it’s easy to feel motivated to climb even higher. However, it’s just as easy to despair in the valleys. Looking up at that last peak wondering how I got here, knowing I don’t have the energy or means to climb up the sheer cliff that stands before me and feeling like I’m all alone and lost. But I’m not alone. Peak or valley, God is always with me, even if I can’t perceive his presence. Even if I am lost, he knows where we’re going. I just have to follow his lead one small step at a time and before I know it, I’ll find myself at the top of the next hill.

That all so poetic but what does that look like in real everyday life. For me, it means accepting that, in this moment, I’m not much to offer but I can still offer what little I am to God for his glory. We see examples of this in Scripture, with the destitute widow who fed Elijah with her last bit of bread and the poor widow whom Jesus commended for giving all she had, two pennies, while others gave out of their abundance. I can offer hope and a kind word to those around me. What little help I may be able to offer, I can. I can still pray for the people around me. For a while now, I’ve been feeling like I’ve lost my purpose but maybe it’s just transitioning to something new and these are the first steps up that cliff in front of me. Whatever God has in store for me, I am glad he is with me, leading me on the journey and helping me along the way.