Understanding the seasons of life through geography and faith
Life does not stay the same. One day you feel like you are standing on solid ground, and the next day everything shifts beneath your feet. You move through different seasons, each with its own challenges, lessons, and opportunities. But how do you navigate these seasons without losing your way?
Dr. Tyler J. Harvey, Ed.D., offers a powerful framework in his book “Teach Me How to Swim.” He compares life to geography. We all travel through three distinct terrains: plains, mountains, and valleys. Each one shapes us in unique ways. Each one requires a different response. And in each one, God meets us exactly where we are.
The Plains: A Place of Growth and Opportunity
The plain is a large, open stretch of land. It is flat, spacious, and often empty. Think of it as a blank canvas waiting for something beautiful to be created.
In life, plains represent seasons of growth and new beginnings. These are times when you have room to explore, to try new things, and to develop your gifts. You are not yet at the peak of your achievements, but you are not in a low place either. You are somewhere in between, with endless possibilities before you.
The plain is fertile ground. It is where ideas take root and dreams begin to take shape. Just as a farmer prepares the soil for planting, God prepares you during your plain seasons. He gives you space to learn, to make mistakes, and to discover who you are.
But plains come with a warning. Because the land is flat and unprotected, it is prone to disaster. Tornadoes can sweep through and destroy everything. In the same way, when we are in a season of growth, we must stay vigilant. We cannot become complacent or assume that everything will always stay the same.
Dr. Harvey reminds us that plains are not standstills. They are places of development. We must use these seasons to build a strong foundation in Christ. We must study His word, pray without ceasing, and prepare ourselves for the mountains and valleys that lie ahead.
The Mountains: A Place of Perspective and Warning
Mountains are formed when slabs of rock push against each other over time. They rise high above the surrounding land, and their peaks offer breathtaking views.
In life, mountains represent seasons of success and achievement. You have reached a high point. Maybe you got the promotion. Maybe you finished your degree. Maybe you overcame a long struggle and came out victorious. The view from the top is incredible, and it is natural to feel proud of what you have accomplished.
But mountains can be dangerous. The climb is difficult, and the height can make you dizzy. Many people who reach the top become prideful. They forget the journey that brought them there. They look down on others who are still climbing. They start to believe that their success came from their own strength.
Dr. Harvey writes about the importance of staying humble on the mountaintop. He quotes the song by Rick James and The Temptations: when you are on top, there is no place to go but down. This is not meant to discourage you. It is a reminder to stay watchful and to give God all the glory for your success.
The mountaintop is also a place where we can see farther. We gain perspective on where we have been and where we are going. We can help others who are still climbing by reaching back and pulling them up. But we must never forget that the climb required strength that came from God.
The Valleys: A Place of Refinement and Restoration
The valley is a depression in the Earth’s surface. It is low, dark, and often overshadowed by the mountains around it. Valleys are formed by erosion from rivers, and they can feel like a place of isolation.
In life, valleys represent seasons of struggle and suffering. These are the times when everything feels heavy. You may face illness, loss, rejection, or disappointment. You may feel like you are walking through a dark tunnel with no end in sight. The valley is a place of weeping, loneliness, and unanswered questions.
But the valley is also a place of immense growth. It is here that God does His deepest work in us. The valley strips away our pride, our self-reliance, and our illusions of control. It forces us to depend on Him completely.
Dr. Harvey describes the valley as a refinery. Just as gold is heated to remove impurities, we are refined in the valley. Painful experiences burn away the things that do not belong. What remains is something precious and pure.
The valley also has the power to restore. When we are broken, God puts us back together. He heals our wounds and restores our joy. The restoration may not happen overnight, but it does happen. The valley is not the end of the story. It is a chapter that prepares us for something greater.
Dr. Harvey shares his own experience of walking through a valley. He recalls a time when he was overwhelmed at work and allowed his employees to fend for themselves. He realized he had lost his way. He needed to stop, pray, and submit to God. The valley taught him to admit his struggle and let God take control.
Why This Framework Matters
Understanding the three terrains helps us make sense of life. Instead of feeling confused by our circumstances, we can recognize where we are and respond accordingly. We can stop fighting the season and start learning from it.
God uses every terrain for our good. In the plains, He prepares us. On the mountains, He gives us perspective. In the valleys, He refines us. None of these seasons are wasted. Each one is a classroom where we learn to trust Him more.
Dr. Harvey’s book “Teach Me How to Swim” provides a guide for navigating these terrains. He does not promise that we will avoid the valleys or stay forever on the mountaintop. Instead, he shows us how to keep swimming through every season. He reminds us that Christ is with us in every terrain.
A Guide for Every Season
If you feel like you are standing in a vast plain with no direction, take heart. God is preparing you for something greater. Use this time to build your faith and develop your gifts.
If you are standing on a mountaintop, resist the urge to become prideful. Celebrate your success, but give God the glory. Remember the people who helped you climb and reach back to help others.
If you are walking through a dark valley, do not lose hope. God has not abandoned you. He is refining you and preparing you for restoration. Keep your eyes on Him, and trust that He will bring you through.
Dr. Harvey writes with the heart of a pastor and the wisdom of someone who has walked through all three terrains. His book is a trusted companion for anyone navigating life’s ups and downs.