On the Mountaintop

I grew up hiking each summer in the Rocky Mountains, and to this day that is one of my favorite pasttimes. I love the cool streams (when I was younger we used to be able to drink out of the mountain streams!), the dainty but strong wildflowers, the breathtaking views, the clear air, the beauty of God's creation all around. And I love to hike above timberline. From there to the top of the mountain, one's view is unobstructed, and one can think such lofty and clear thoughts.
But, above timberline there is no growth--no grasses, no trees, no flowers.
The "growth" is in the valleys, where there are lush green meadows, gorgeous fields of wildflowers, rivers and streams to enjoy, and cool shade to rest in.
The same is true in our spiritual lives. We all love to be on the mountaintops, where we feel like we're on the top of the world. And we do need those time on the mountaintop to gain new perspective, to listen to the voice of the Lord.
But if we stayed on the mountaintop all the time, we would become dry, barren, and rocky.
Our real spiritual growth takes place in the valley, when we must depend upon the Lord for answers to life's questions too hard for us to understand, where we stand with others who are going through the "valleys" in their lives as well.
As we hike our life paths, we need to enjoy those times on the tops of the mountains, but we must realize our real growth and lush living takes place in the valleys.