The Tale of Two Slopes

First of all - I actually have been writing a lot - just not getting it copied into my blog.  So, there may be a sudden glut of articles here.

 I have been sitting on this upcoming analogy for over a year.  Yesterday God added such a cool insight, that I decided it needs to come out of my journal and enter my blog.

            I enjoy the Whittier Hills – Helman Park is a place I hike regularly.  I get a free science lesson on how the change of seasons affects plant life, wildlife, and even dirt, just by keeping my eyes open.  There are two particular slopes that receive my regular observation – one north facing, and the other south facing – they face each other with a little canyon between.

                        A year ago I noticed that the south-facing slope was brown, virtually lifeless whereas the north-facing slope was full of green, healthy, tangled growth.  That south-facing slope is in direct sunlight – day in and day out.  There is no shade of protection.   The plant life in May was practically non-existent.  The terrain was laid bare for all to see – where the boulders were, and the holes.  It was a dried, almost shaved, hillside.  So. Cal. is dry, but if there were a chance of daily watering, even in the face of all that constant sunlight, this slope would probably be quite verdant.

             Now I will personify that slope.  It makes me think of a person who faces hardships and trials with virtually nothing to protect him from a new onslaught each day.  It’s like having a string of bad luck.  Without any “water,” this one would remain dry, barren and exposed.  There would be no question of his faults, they would be visible for all to see.  We all know people like this.  They are overwhelmed, sad, and maybe depressed.  We wonder if they are wearing a “kick me” sign for all the little demons to see.

            Yet we also see some of these battered people thrive if they have “water” – that is a daily and intense washing of the Word and the Holy Spirit. The Word will give life and hope as the Holy Spirit fills and gives understanding.  So with plenty of the right, life giving input, someone can survive constant adversity.  Though this particular slope seemed to be simply in survival mode.

            The north facing slope, on the other hand was an expanse of thick, green foliage of many types. There were no paths; one could not even conceive of making a way through that branchy thickness.  This side did not receive any more rain than the barren side.  But it goes to show how “healthy,” nature can be without the relentless burn of the sun.  This side received light, but not direct, burning sunshine.  This hill was always in the shade, facing away from the sun.  It was so strange to see such entirely different landscapes within just yards of each other.

            So what type of person would this be? Those who experience little hardship really can flourish – be healthy – be beautiful – grab all the gusto of life - dig their roots deep -  'seemingly' without the constant drinking of the water, the Word.  Perhaps they are in a healthy enough environment, that they can thrive with just enough “light” – just enough of God-time or fellowship.  Ah, but looking at the opposite slope – how quickly they could fall and dry up with constant adversity.  Though, with that deep root system, it may take a lot to shake their foundation.

            It is a bit sobering to realize how quickly our life can change if we are not accustomed to drinking daily from the Word and being filled daily by the Holy Spirit.  Just by adding some searing experiences, some hard times – we could become that south slope- all dried up, exposed, and empty.

There is more to come… I did a lot of walking in these hills.  More analogies came to me.  Stay tuned.  Next time, we'll get to my new insight.