which mountain

On either side of the valley, there is a mountain.  On Mt. Sinai, Moses received the law.  [We all know about the law and living a life of rules.]  But that is not the end of the story.  On Mt. Zion, we are invited into God's family.  On Mt. Zion, God taught us about love, grace and welcome.

On one side of the valley is the mountain of our youth.  Certainty.  Right and wrong.  Doctrine.  In and out.  Good and bad.  Tribalism.  Security.

At some point in our lives, we begin to have serious questions about the mountain that we live on.  As soon as we start asking questions, we are either shamed into repentance, we are shunned, or we begin the process of the descent into the valley of uncertainty.

In the valley of uncertainty we find discomfort.  We find a fear that maybe we should run back to the mountain of our youth.  We wonder what is on the other side.  In the valley of uncertainty, we plod on, looking for something better than the place that we left.

Finally on the other side of the valley, we emerge and journey up a new mountain.  It is a simple mountain.  On this mountain, the air is clear, the sky is blue and there is no guilt and fear.  On this mountain we find, experience and learn to give, God's grace and love.

A week or so ago, I received a note from a dear friend describing their journey and their struggle in the valley. I wrote this back to them:

I encourage you to continue on the journey away from doctrine, away from rules, away from who is right and who is wrong. I encourage you to enter the valley of uncertainty and make your way to the other side where awaits a world that is dominated by grace.

May we all continue the journey away from dogmatism, away from guilt and shame and towards the light of God's love and grace.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.