Saturday, August 25, 2007

The Deep Valley


We just slid into a deep dark valley with our son. The three of us will be here awhile.

We will walk on this cold slippery path week after week.

Oh! Our son just lost his footing and tumbled deeper. He stands on another path below ours. We reach down...and he reaches up. Our fingers touch but we can't grip his hand. He cries out.

Then I saw the Shepherd quickly climb down to our son. He stood beside him. Turning his eyes to us he said, he must walk a deeper path. But I will not leave him or forsake him.

So we walk. We watch. We see our son. We see his pain.

The Shepherd gently uses his rod and his staff to guide the young one through the dark places. He quietly says, this is the way.

This is the way that leads to life.

This piece is dedicated to all the prodigals and parents who are journeying through the valley.

7 comments:

Susan Skitt said...

The shadows in the valley can be scary... oh how good to know God will comfort us through them. Praying for you and your family, my friend. Keep reaching out to our Heavenly Father for that comfort... He knows what you and your dear son need.

Dawn said...

Beautifully written in the midst of pain. I just read this at another Sharon's site:

Isaiah 43: 2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.

Diane Viere said...

Oh Sharon,

I can barely see the computer screen through the tears I am shedding and my arms are alive with the goosebumps I am feeling! This is a beautiful post!

Yes, "this is the way"....

It is so difficult to get out of the way and let God lead....and you have done this so beautifully. The noise of micro-managing and controlling our son's life....silences God's voice as He directs us....at the same time He is leading our prodigal. May we continue to hear, "this is the way!"

This is a blessed piece, Sharon!

Diane

Rosemary said...

How beautifully put, but so full of pain. I've said a prayer for your son and for your family.

Naomi said...

Beautifully written, inspirational post Sharon. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Michelle (wife, mom, grandma, daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, and striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman) said...

Sharon Lynne,
I just found your blog through Dawn's and I'm so glad I did. I've only been able to read through several posts, and I really must get to bed, but your boys sound so much like mine that I had to write. Mine are just younger versions than yours, I think. Our oldest is walking through a valley, and our youngest is also a saver who spends too much time on video games. We are struggling to be parents who can help them find their way, while giving God room to work. Unfortunately, my husband is in a different place spiritually, so I'm praying for him, too.
I look forward to reading more of your blog soon. Thank you for sharing yourself!

Jan Parrish said...

Beautiful photo and thoughts. :)