Navigating Life’s Mountaintops & Valleys…

For years, the question ‘What is my purpose?’ lived rent-free in my mind, always showing up like a shadow of my future working tirelessly to haunt my present. Seriously, I can recall countless times when I became so obsessed with answering this question that it robbed me of the simple joys found in each day. The pursuit of the perfect answer kept my mind spinning like a hamster on a wheel. Just when I thought I had discovered the “perfect” answer that would pull me further into my destiny—I almost always found myself back on the wheel, chasing a bigger, more grander vision that would sure enough take my life to new heights.

But instead, as you might have discovered too, I found myself in the cycle of pursing lofty positions, accumulating possessions, and appeasing people. On the surface, I had abundantly more than I had ever dreamed, but that wasn’t enough. I wanted more—more influence, more accolades, more financial security—yet none of it was truly fulfilling after the initial excitement slowly began to fade. Like many, I had a deep knowing that my life mattered—that I was part of something bigger. But what was that exactly? I continued to struggle to put to words what I believed was my purpose. Why? Because I was measuring it against society’s ever-shifting standards.

And that’s the trap for so many of us. We wrongly attach our purpose with external goals and fleeting accomplishments. That exact way of thinking had me in a looping, non-stop cycle in my 20’s—whether it was chasing the next career move, seeking validation in relationships, or striving for other milestones I thought would define my worth.

It worked… until it didn’t. You know what I mean—those valley moments in life that were never part of “the plan.”

The divorce or breakup.

The unexpected layoff.

The sickness.

The repossession or foreclosure.

The loss of a loved one or friendship.

The financial crisis.

….or any of the countless challenges we inevitably face at some point. Seriously, let’s face it, no one really plans for challenges to arise, especially those that we view as unexpected.

I want to share a story with you of a few lessons I learned from the mountains.

Whiteside Mountain - Highlands, NC

Recently, my partner and I celebrated his birthday in Highland, NC. One of the most memorable adventures we shared—outside of zip lining—was hiking Whiteside Mountain—the views were breathtaking. Over the years, I’ve really become so fascinated by the wonders of God’s creation. As we stood at the top, overlooking the city and the other mountains in the distance, I curiously asked if he knew how mountains were formed. I didn’t. Shamefully, this was likely one of those geology lessons I didn’t find interesting in school.

He went on to explain how tectonic plates shift and often collide over time, pushing the earth upward through immense pressure—eventually forming magnificent peaks. Naturally, I couldn’t help but think how the pressures of life often lead us into some of the most unthinkable moments. You know, those peaks and valleys—the highs that take our breath away and the lows that leave us gasping for air.

Maybe you’re in a mountaintop season, where life seems to be rewarding you in all the ways you’ve hoped and prayed. Or perhaps you find yourself between mountain experiences—standing in the valley, caught between the height of your past breakthrough and the hopeful anticipation of your future. So often in the valley, it’s easy to feel lost, stuck, and confused as clouds of hopelessness loom, overshadowing the joy and fulfillment we once knew.

But here’s the truth:

Your purpose and identity were never meant to be defined by changing circumstances and fleeting success. I’ve learned it takes both mountaintop and valley experiences to prepare and propel us towards the promise and fulfillment of our purpose.  

So here’s a few questions to help you awaken in your purpose:

• Why do we hold on to what’s temporary more tightly than what is eternal?

• Why do we keep trying to define and pursue our purposes without turning to the Creator who gave us life?

If you’re wresting with these questions—or if you’re tempted to brush them aside,  my hope is that you will sit with them a little bit longer. Let the silence of the moment sink deep into your soul, nurturing the seeds of true freedom and fulfillment waiting to emerge.  

I hope you find it freeing to know, it is possible to hop off the hamster wheel, to shift beyonds society’s standards of success, and to fill the emptiness within your life by choosing God’s purpose over your own.

Are you ready to schedule meaningful time with the Master Creator about His vision for your life? Because when God reveals his purposes, you’ll find that it’s bigger and better than anything you could chase on your own.