Frayed Knot

Don’t you love a beautiful valley in the spring when blue skies and puffy clouds create a perfect canvas for the sun’s rays, warming the day? You see daffodils in bloom, birds nesting and a carpet of green blades, perfect for a picnic.

As Christians, we refer to valleys as trials we walk through. Daily stresses can resemble the valley I’ve described. You have to pack the picnic, carry the basket, spread the blanket, fight the ants, chase the children and clean up the mess.

Five years ago my husband had encephalitis of the brain and grew critically ill. The valley we walked through resembled a journey between two towering mountains. It was dark with long, frightening shadows and bitter cold from lack of sunlight. The ground was slanted and rocky.

The experience was lonely and filled with anxiety. It reminded me of…

Psalms 23:4a NIV

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”

A friend who knew of our struggle told me to, “Tie a knot at the end of my rope and hang

on.” So, I kept going and stood on promises like…

Matthew 19:26 NIV

“…With man, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

I prayed constantly, while giving meds, changing sweaty sheets and driving to doctor appointments with him trying to get out of the truck on the interstate while we were traveling 70 mph. I had a stranger in my care 24/7.

My vibrant, amazing husband was an executive, a minister, a leader, a family man. He was dearly loved and respected. He held the highest office in our church organization for Tennessee. But, that man was missing.

After eleven months of hospital stays and panic attacks I realized the knot I was holding onto was frayed. So, what do you do when your valley is forever long? You hang onto that frayed knot and keep believing because our God is still on the throne!