They say without the valleys, we’d miss out on our sweetest and deepest moments with the Lord.

As for me, I’m partial to the meadows, the quiet waters, the full-tables when He blesses and blesses.

Ah, yes, let me know Him well in those times. Times…

…when I’m experiencing the peace of a healthy body that just works. Without pain. Without concern.

…when we’re reaping the joy of a child’s obedience because the “rod with reproof” really did bring wisdom.

…when dreams that seemed too big, are not.

…when discipline blossoms into righteousness and peace.

…when the sun shines, and flowers bloom, and a friend gives us a bin full of fantastic girl-clothes just before we are about to stock up on some 5T shorts at Target.

…when I ask the Lord, “what’s on Your mind?” and He showers me with truth, encouragement, and direction from His Word at just the right time.

Nothing stirs my soul like His kindness and undeserved mercies.

…when the Holy Spirit bellows up great gusts of pure gratitude that fill my depths.

…when I can lean my head back to the heavens, open my hands, and shout, “You are so good to me!”

…and even when He reminds me, time after time, that He has nothing hidden behind His back.

That I need not anticipate the turn of the hand, the change of the tide, the “catch”.

But that I can rest in the truth that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Not as a carrot, dangled in front of my face. Not as a talisman or a tease. But as a gift.

From two open, out-stretched hands, into mine.

Oh, the wonder of seeing Him in the midst of great blessing; the fascination of studying Him during the time of peace.

The sheer luxury of laying in His pasture, by His side, because He has said I will lack nothing.

Yes, His charms are infinite in the midst of dark valleys; but we must never forget that they are infinite – and eternal – in the midst of peace.

^“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32