Sometimes, as we try our best to do the next right thing, we get tired. May this encourage you.

I was living down in the valley.
It was dark and dirty there,
Until, one day, my Master
Took me to His mountain aer’,

I stayed there for a short season,
Then Jesus did bid me to go
Back into the valley of darkness,
Back into the valley of woe.
I didn’t hesitate for a second,
My best Friend really did know
What was best for growth, for purpose;
What most would strengthen my soul.

Down into the valley I trotted,
Hopes high, a story to tell,
But it wasn’t long,
toiling in my own strength,
Flat on my face, I fell.

My heart so full of discouragement,
I had tried the best ways I knew
To get those lost, lonely people
Up to His mountain too;
Up where He was patiently waiting
For their souls to come to His love;
I’m sure that’s the instructions He’d given
When I dwelled in the mountain abode.

I wearily climbed from the valley
Ashamed of how I had failed,
And all the lost souls who were suffering !
Why!...my shame, by comparison, paled !

I sat by His side in the aerie
As He comforted this battle worn soul.
And after a short season of teaching,
He again set me some goals.

I walked back to the valley,
Somewhat reluctant,
and with slightly less glee;
It wasn’t long ‘fore I stumbled back up,
Having fallen and skinned up both knees.
I fell at His feet, feeling quite worthless,
I’d botched all the tasks He had giv’n.
All my attempts to save them had failed,
For any number of reasons.

Then , smiling, He sat me beside Him,
‘round my shoulder , put a comforting arm,
Waited for my heart to stop aching,
For my soul to return to His calm.

Once more, down from the mountain,
I began to slowly trudge,
When I noticed Him walking beside me,
And occasionally give me a nudge
To continue my valley-ward journey,
Now with Him close by my side.

Then I knew …

Before, I had passed Him, to save them,
In my strength and my own willful pride.

Then He said,

“Your obedience definitely pleased Me,
Your zeal was without reproach,
And the lessons you learned
Helped your soul grow in depth;
You really did heed Me as Coach !
Yet, what you had truly forgotten,
In your willingness to truly please Me,
Was my simple commands,
which I gave at the first,
Love your neighbor, as you love Me.
For you, I came from the mountain.
For them I also will come,
‘cause they can’t come up to the aerie
Without Me.
Come on, sis…
Let’s fetch some more home.”