How we walk in valleys cultivates our durability.

Being my first post I wanted to share something that should seem simplistic but in many ways we tend to look at this from the worlds point of view.  Also known as a man-made point of view.  I don't know about you but I have a hard time living in a world that is judged by negative people and media that thrives on antagonistic persuasion.  Ok.... no more soap box.

For the last four years I have been a football chaplain and have worked close with many athletes teaching character and spiritual growth.  One of the words we tend to use exorbitantly is adversity.  Anytime we lose a game, go through an injury, or have a tough practice we say "You have to learn through adversity.". It's almost become cliché. 

It is true that by adversity we become stronger.  But have you ever looked at adversity as a gift?  Why would we accept misfortune as a gift?  One thing that comes to mind is I have never learned anything through success, it's always been through failure.  In my, soon to be released, book Waterproof Steve LeJeune tries to explain to his son that adversity makes us stronger, tough for an eight year old to understand.  Sure it's easy to say "Learn from the tough times." But how?

I heard a friend once say that we should walk softly in valleys, walk softly?  Isn't it true, how we walk through tough times cultivates our durability.  So that the next time we travel through the same challenging circumstance we are stronger.  When I learned to play the guitar my fingers hurt for days, if not weeks, but after time my fingers became tough enough to handle the strings I was pressing.  It's the same with valleys, we learn from adversity and gain wisdom, so the next time we find ourselves there we are stronger. 

Wisdom is only achieved by seeking it.  As a Christ follower we are told to seek wisdom through God.  I personally think that's easier said than done.  My schedule often conflicts with my communication with the big guy upstairs, but I am reminded that He is there when I find myself in a valley.  Adversity as a gift?  Not a worldly way of thinking is it?

So...... (this was suppose to be shorter) how do we walk in valleys?  Softly.  Searching.  Listening.

Ephesians 5:15-16 Look carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.


 

 

 

 

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