The Lost Valley

Tucked away in the Scottish Highlands lies a hidden valley. To reach it, one must climb a passage between two mountains littered with beauty that will steal breath, if the vertical climb doesn’t steal it first.

As I stood in the middle of this Lost Valley of Glencoe, the vast expanse was almost more than I could take in. If it weren’t for the five other family members and their ant-sized appearances scattered about in this massive void, my eyes would not be able to comprehend the sheer size of the mountainous walls surrounding us.

And I mean, we were surrounded. From where I stood, the entrance and exit to this valley, or corrie as it’s known in Scotland, completely vanished. All that could be seen were mountainsides. Hence its name, Lost Valley, or sometimes referred to as Hidden Valley. 

As the historical story goes, this spot was used by Clan MacDonald to hide their cattle, which begs the obvious question of how in the world coos (Scottish for cows) could possibly make that steep journey. Members of the clan also fled to this hiding place during the 1692 massacre, when Clan Campbell and government soldiers turned on the MacDonalds. Yes, my maiden name happens to be Campbell, but I assure you that my people and I had nothing to do with those horrible events. But, I can also assure you that we most definitely did not reveal our family name while eating at a pub with a “No Campbells Allowed” sign. No, sir. First-name basis is just fine with us. 

The point is, this valley was a sanctuary to these folks.

How often do I view the valleys in my life in this way? Probably about as often as a Campbell visits a MacDonald's pub.

In the lowest of lows, the surrounding scenery feels like a trap with no way out. But valleys have purpose. 

They offer growth opportunities as we learn to fully rely on the Shepherd who guides and comforts us, while providing flowing streams of water smack-dab in the middle of it.

They can serve as protection from harm that we can’t even see, while displaying unexpected beauty we may not have seen otherwise.

While it certainly may be a sight to behold from the mountaintops, I can’t help but recognize all the details I would have missed had I not walked through the valley. 

And, if you think about it, I would have also missed the point. 

Without valleys, the mountains wouldn’t have a literal or figurative point. There simply wouldn’t be any mountaintop views to enjoy without the valleys that help shape them.

Plus, I often find it’s the views showing how far we’ve come that are the most impactful, am I right?

So, when we find ourselves in a valley, may we embrace it like a MacDonald. Because, no matter how hidden and forgotten we might feel, we are not alone. Although we seem lost and overwhelmed with weariness, springs of hope still flow. 

Remember, the valley can be a sanctuary, after all. A fitting place for bowed heads and lifted hands. 

And perhaps a Highland coo or two.

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