Hills and valleys
On the mountains I will bow my life to the one who sat me there
In the valley I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I’m standing on the mountain I didn’t get there on my own
When I’m walking through the valley I know I am not alone
You’re God of the hills and valleys, hills and valleys
God of the hills and valleys and I am not alone…
I just recently discovered this song and it is my current anthem.
A few days ago we went to the island of Spetses and then we went to a couple of caves, both of which were surrounded by mountains and we had to climb up or down to get to them. All around me here in Greece are hills and valleys and the beauty of both the hill and the valley are overwhelming. It makes me think of my life and how I don’t always find the beauty in the trials that I go through in life. But after I make it through a trial I can see the beauty that was made from the ashes (Isaiah 61:3) and I understand it better.
Here in Greece, we are learning about the ancient Greeks who time after time had to rebuild their lives due to natural disasters or financial ones. One particular city that has stuck with me was the ancient city of Akrotiri. They lived over 4000 years ago and the advancements that these people had were astounding. From sewage pipes and toilets, to stoves and bbq systems, to gutters for catching rain water. It was awesome. They had huge buildings that were no less than 2 stories high and 10 or more bedrooms in their homes. The ruins showed that when they disappeared they had not long before returned after an earthquake. They were in the process of putting their lives back together when a volcano erupted. I feel like this is the true history of the Greek people, not unlike my African American people. Their ability to take what life gives them and make it great… to make lemonade (insert Beyoncé reference). These people have risen from the ashes numerous times and I believe they will continue to do so because it is how they are built. They are built to last and it makes sense why a lot of the disciples came here after Jesus ascended to write their books…this place is inspiration in itself. I can see myself visiting here often. I can see myself coming here to write or even using this place as inspiration to do so when I get home.
Abba this place is amazing.
I am currently reading The Shack by William Paul Young and it is phenomenal, but if you know me then you know I have a problem with reading multiple books at one time, so I also started reading Beautiful Uncertainty by Mandy Hale and it is really good as well.
It makes me think and it puts things into perspective as well.
A quote from her book says:
“WHEN YOU KNOW GOD IS YOUR SAFETY NET, SUDDENLY LEAPS OF FAITH DON’T LOOK SO SCARY.”
This is literally my life right now. I took a huge chance coming here to Greece and I took an even bigger risk to come here alone. Granted I am with a group but I don’t know them nor do I trust them with my life. But every time I think about this fact, God gives me this peace I cannot explain and I know that everything will be ok, because while I don’t trust them to protect my life I do trust HIM. He is here with me on this trip and I honestly can’t imagine how this trip may have gone if HE wasn’t here with me.
Thanks for traveling through Greece with me Abba. I have a feeling this is only the beginning…
picture 1: fisherman from Akrotiri (peep the melanin😏😏)
picture 2: boxers from Akrotiri
picture 3: the prehistoric cave of Franchthi
Playlist for this blog
- Hills and valleys by Tauren Wells
- Strangely Dim by Francesca Battistelli
- Fix My Eyes by For King and Country
