Last.Damn.Call

Valleys are not generally considered a final destination. They are a temporary place (or symbolic of a situation or circumstance). At least this is the version of this I like the most. The idea of those dark valleys being temporary places and moments in life.

What is a dark valley in your life? A place of isolation or fear or weakness? A place of rejection or not belonging? A sense of feeling, “How did I get here?” And more importantly, “How do I find my way out?”

Maybe it’s a family problem or a difficult relationship in your life. Maybe it’s the growing distance you feel from God? Something in your life that has become unmanageable. A dark valley is not where you want to set up camp or even a temporary home. It is a place to pass through and move on when the timing is right. Preferably as soon as humanly possible (and with some assistance from God or your higher power).

Whether you are a person of faith or not, you have heard the phrase “As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…” The valley is a dangerous region in which the sheep must be guided carefully by a shepherd. Your valley is something that needs careful navigation and a guiding light.

The shadow of death. Representing a looming presence. Not the end. Just the shadow of fear or uncertainty. Rocky places in our lives. Emotional or spiritual trials we must face. We need a guide to show us the way through, around, and beyond that shadow.

We aren’t made to reside in our valleys of life. You take what you need, learn what you should, and move on. Leaving behind all things that do not serve a positive purpose in your life.

I can name several “dark valley” moments in my life. When my mother died. When my sister died. When I admitted my powerless over alcohol and went to live in a treatment center amongst strangers. Those are just a handful but the ones that jump out at me at this moment. I wasn’t meant to live in those valleys and remain stuck in those places. I was meant to take what I needed spiritually, mentally, and emotionally and move on.

When climbing out of that valley, you might stumble. You might even get a little bruised and battered. But you keep moving in the right direction. One of lightness and mental clarity. Don’t stop and decide the valley is a home. It isn’t. It was always meant to be temporary.

As humans, we need to be guided to places of refuge, of safety, free from all the things that keep us trapped in our valleys. Our self-doubt. The people who want to keep you small and hidden. Our feelings of rejection or inadequacy. The nagging voices in your head telling you that you’re stuck and this is just the way things are. The valleys are temporary, and we have to remember this. Trust your path and place your faith in the capable hands of your tour guide.

You’ve tried doing it your way, and you keep sliding back into that dark, damp, dangerous valley of old habits and unhealthy relationships (with yourself, with others, and maybe even with how you view God). Why not try to follow a shepherd who knows his way around this life much better than you?

Remember, the sheep were venturing through scary territory, unfamiliar to them. Like sheep, we venture into unknown places and situations in our lives. And it is good to know we have access to the greatest Shepherd to help us navigate through those difficult times.