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Peace in the Valley
He felt the tension ease in his neck and shoulders after he had left the noise of the city behind him. This day had been one of the more frustrating. It started well before dawn when his friend Peter had moved quickly in the darkness and banged his head into the wall with a resounding thud. Now, Peter wasn’t known for his patience, and a poorly muffled oath and some dark mutterings followed the thud. Sometimes Pete wasn’t so much fun to be around, especially on a daily basis and in close quarters.
But there was business to attend to; there could be little alternative until the assignment was done. This evangelistic movement to change lives of hurting people would take time. Sometimes he grew weary and his strength seemed to ebb in the face of the constant and urgent needs about him. And it wasn’t just that; the rabble-rousers frowned on his efforts and he was aware of their threatening looks and their attempts, subtle and not so subtle, to disrupt the ministry. He wasn’t one to back down or turn away from his calling but after this wearying day, he knew a break was vital…a chance to get away to get away for a bit.
A gentle breeze ruffled his hair, and the sky turned to shades of pink and purple as the sun sank below the horizon. His spirits lifted and relief began to seep through him. The sounds of the birds singing and the gurgling of a tiny stream reached his ears. How refreshing to be free of press of the crowds and of the bickering members of the evangelistic team.
Easing himself down by edge of the little mountain stream, he removed his shoes and lowered his hot tired feet into the relaxingly cool water. After a time, he slowly swam the short distance to the other side and rested there as the gentle twilight began to fall. With the twilight came a Presence. His weariness ebbed and a deep Peace settled over him. Pulling a blanket from his light pack, he wrapped himself in it and settled into a soft nest of grasses nearby.
Stars shimmered and danced over head. The Presence drew nearer. “Thank you, Father, for a chance to draw aside and be with You,” he whispered in awe. “I get so weary,” he went on. “Father, I know that You know it. Team members become judgmental, jealous and short-tempered. But bless them, Lord God, and help me to teach them as You have taught me. Help me to understand them.”
Relaxed, he dozed. At intervals, he woke, snuggled contentedly, and communed again with the warm Presence. There was strength, peace, and understanding. Gradually his sleep became deep and restorative. He was sure, though, that he felt the soft touch of angel wings gently brush his cheek as he slept.
At last the dawn began to stir the countryside awake, and he wakened to the sleepy chirping of birds. He smiled at the difference between this awakening and yesterday’s. Poor Peter, he thought compassionately; his heart was so sincere and he tried very hard. A renewed love rose in his heart for Peter and for the other team members. He felt more strength and compassion for the crowds of people who needed so much and understood so little. And there was renewed wisdom and power for dealing with the rabble-rousers. God had been in this place. God had touched the very depths of his soul
He arose and stretched luxuriously. Turning his face heavenward, He thanked God for time to have rested in His presence and for a profound sense of renewal. Folding his blanket, Jesus headed calmly back down from the mountain, bringing Peace with Him to the valley and to the cities and towns.
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