It’s not so much that we’re afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it’s the place in between that we fear…It’s like being between trapezes. It’s Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There’s nothing to hold on to. – Marilyn Ferguson

Much to my surprise, I found an offer letter for employment in my inbox. Currently, I am a temp and had thought that is how it was going to remain for a few short months. Moving through my feelings of disbelief, I read the contract and it said I would be working through the end of 2013. First, I thought it was a typo. 2013?? How could this be? At the end of 2011, I was released stating there was no additional work and no need for me.

And for 5 long agonizing months, I sat, unable to fix anything.

Today, in my personal inbox I found this devotion titled Preparation for Greatness by Oz Hillman. The devotion talked about the training ground that God took David through and how it could have been perceived as cruel and unusual punishment.

But it was necessary for what David was to become.

God was David’s source for everything. God gave him the ability to achieve the many extraordinary things in his life. It was a lifelong training ground that moved him from one plateau to another, often dropping into a ravine of despair and hopelessness from time to time. These are God’s ways. They drive us deeper and deeper into the heart of Him who has prepared a way for us. Let God take you to the heights or depths He desires for you. He never promised smooth sailing during the trip, but He did promise to be the captain and companion along the way. 

And as I stand on the plateau after leaving the ravine of despair and hopelessness, I admire the view and it is incredible. It is a place that I have never been before.  Something changed internally during that place in between. Somehow my heart made another connection to my head and another piece of the puzzle was locked into place.

At times, these “places” felt cruel and undeserved, but as the tears stream down my face, I am overcome with joy and peace. And I think to myself, I’ll gladly go through the depths again to get to the place I am standing today.