Because sometimes we need cliche analogies ...

I was trying to think of something very clever and helpful to write, but also include some fun pictures. The result was this over-used analogy that we never put into practice as much as we should.

Have you ever heard, or thought, that life is like a roller coaster ride? How many times have you heard life compared to mountaintops and valleys?

A few nights ago, I went bowling with some friends. I played two games. The first game was my mountain in which I scored 159. Probably a lifetime record for me so far. But the second game didn't go so well. Not feeling the need to remember, I didn't take a picture of the second gameboard, but I think the number was in the 60s or 70s category. A definite valley.

The moral of the story is that I didn't give up, even when I was in the middle of the 'valley game.' And in the middle of life's valleys, we can keep on going too.

One day can be the happiest day of our lives in which everything is going just how we think it should go. The next might be the complete opposite. Circumstances, people, and moods all change. When we only look around us, we are the most depressed creatures alive.

The other option is to look up. Jesus is unchanging: He is our Rock. We still go through the valley/mountaintop experiences, but if we are focused on him, we don't have to let them dictate how we feel.

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.- Psalm 61:2

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. - Ps 31:3