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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: TRAVELER (01/28/16)
I’ve been making my way through life for thirty-five years now. Not as long as some but more than others. As I pause and look back along the path that stretches from my beginning to where I now stand, I do so in wonder. It has not weaved its way across the topography as I had imagined.

I had dreamed of being married by now with children years into their schooling but I am single as I’ve always been. I never really dreamed of travelling beyond my country but have spent 36 months of my life living in both the USA and England and exploring the surrounding areas. Neither did I dream of living in the big smoke, but have lived in several large cities overseas and currently reside in Sydney, Australia. And never, ever would I have chosen, let alone dreamed of, walking through that valley.

For at least six years I traversed my ‘Valley of the Shadow of Death’ as I called it. In this dark place I imagined this valley so overgrown that the light from above is almost filtered completely away by the tangle of trees and vines. The uneven ground is littered with a mess of bushes, rocks and fallen trees to the point where it is difficult to make out the fine trail that weaves its way through, if one can manage to see it at all. I was constantly stumbling and the heaviness of this place had me frequently on my hands and knees, desperately inching my way forward. At least I hoped it was forward. Jesus was there somewhere. I occasionally felt His presence encouraging me forward when my hope was slipping dangerously. I couldn’t see Him but I felt He was always there watching over me.

It was in this valley that God began to crumble my ideals about Him and our relationship. It was painful and incredibly scary but I believed I would come out the other side stronger. His promise that there would be such a day gave me the hope to press on as I trusted Him and held Him to that promise. Yet even in the midst of this deep valley I appreciated the journey as I sensed God reshaping my ideas and thoughts to be more in line with the truth. I was beginning to learn that His load is lighter than the one I had placed on myself.

Only in the past eighteen months have I begun to feel like I’m finally coming out the other side of this valley. He continues to shape me into the wholeness of who He designed me to be. He continues to use my struggles for my good. A string of job losses and having to move houses yet my needs always being met, reinforced His faithfulness and care. My heart flying and falling for a godly man who neither felt the same nor was a good fit for me, hearing God gently reveal what my heart was truly pursuing and whispering passionately to my soul, “Give Me your heart. Find your satisfaction in Me. I am enough.”

I am constantly travelling with God. For me it’s not about getting somewhere. It’s about being with Him and allowing intimacy to deepen. Allowing myself to become one with Him. I’m ok with how my life has twisted and turned in ways other than I had dreamed. These unplanned adventures never go to waste with God by my side. His adventures are more amazing than I could ever dream on my own anyway.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
02/05/16
Lovely entry with a powerful message as well.

God bless~
Tracy Nunes 
02/11/16
Your testimony was clear, well written and compelling. I know that valley well but like you, I wouldn't trade what I learned in it for anything. Well done1
Karen Dick 
02/11/16
I appreciated how you stayed on topic and at the same time gave a lovely testimony. God so often does have a different or better plan than we do. More than we can imagine. Well done.
Bonnie Bowden 
02/11/16
Congratulations, Kelly, on your highly commended in the Beginners category. I've walked through the shadows too, but I am glad God took me through it.
Ruth Walker
02/15/16
Kelly, this is heartwarming because it's so frank. By avoiding details of what took you into the valley, you allowed us space to remember our own valleys and find empathy. Loved the description in para 3. Also the first sentence, which seemed somehow to invite us to read on - perhaps because it was conversational. Thanks.