TUNDRA

John 18:1—When He had finished praying, Jesus left with His disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and He and His disciples went into it.
Five men camped along the Tulik River in the remote tundra of the Artic Circle near the Brooks Range. Our intent was to hunt caribou and ptarmigan and fish for grayling. For many men, few things exceed the thrill of hunting. It is a great test of wit, skill, perseverance, and careful planning which, if executed properly, results in the successful acquisition of food. It was a time of camaraderie and challenge.
The tundra of Alaska is very difficult to walk. The ground in August is uneven, wet and full of plant life which when stepped on often gives way causing the foot and ankle to slide either left or right. Most of our time was spent either looking for game or packing out meat across this difficult terrain.
Life can be like walking through tundra. We long for the splendid roar of the gun at that climactic moment when the target is in sight. But in reality, most of our life is spent in the valley where each step can be challenging and tedious. We prefer chills down the spine to sweat down our backs. But if we make exhilaration our goal we are destined to despise what is ordinary and necessary. In fact, the valley is important. While there God teaches us much about our character and purpose. It is on the tundra where each step matters that the Lord of the heavens wants to mold us to be like Him.
Perhaps you have grown tired of your environment, occupation, or place in life. Are you fatigued beneath the weight of a boring pack? Are you frustrated by an endless plain where God’s voice seems absent? Well, take heart! Give the extraordinary Heavenly Father your ordinary trials! Imagine the blessing you can be to those around you, if daily you exude peace and joy through what most would consider mundane or discouraging! Our Savior is not merely interested in us when we reach the ridge. He is with us through the valley! He will guide you to the beauty in the tundra!
Inspiration
Your valley may be a darkness where you have nothing but your duty to guide you, no voice, no thrill, but just steady, plodding duty; or it may be a deep agonizing dejection at the realization of your unfitness and uncleanness and insufficiency. Let God put you on His wheel and whirl you as He likes, and as sure as God is God and you are you, you will turn out exactly in accordance with the vision He gave you. Don’t lose heart in the process.—Oswald Chambers in So Send I You