It’s remarkable how different my three kids are from one another. While they, like all kids, need love and affirmation, guidance and discipline, the manner in which these needs are provided must be customized for each child. (Being a lover of efficiency, I did attempt the one-size-fits-all approach. You can imagine how well that worked out.)

God knows his children. He knows some of us avoid pain and some say bring it on. He knows some try to remain too long on the mountaintop and some resist being there at all. 

We rarely have the luxury of choosing when mountaintop or valley experiences come. But as Trevor Hudson shares, we need both.

Perhaps your valley seems never-ending — I’m thinking of those with a chronic illness, like our friend Glandion Carney who tells of his journey toward accepting Parkinson’s. 

Or perhaps this season is one of unexpected joys. 

Wherever you find yourself, my prayer for you and me is this: zero resistance to the Holy Spirit. When we find ourselves in the upper room may we lay our heads on the heart of Jesus. And when we find ourselves at the cross may we be fully present to share in the sufferings of Christ.