fog
A thick fog renders the view of the rising sun as an opaque orb in the distance. Another change in the weather is forecast to bring much cooler temperatures over the next few days. The glistening grass and the dew dripping vines bearing the fruit of the garden give evidence of nature’s progression soaking in its provision. The season has been a rich one filled with varieties of plants and animals in varying degrees of plenty. The harvest is almost over and creatures all around are preparing for the onslaught of winter. Black walnuts, pecans, and chestnuts are being offered up by their respective bearers. Soon the trees so well adorned with the brilliance of the Artist’s pallet will stand bare to witness the cascade of falling snow. Change is inevitable and its evidence is omnipresent. Change is best embraced with the arms of gratitude for change is the evidence of life itself.
Morning sun illuminates the remaining evening fog as light through a frosted window. The swing in weather from hot and humid to cool and drier has left its mark. The season is changing and a few trees are already releasing their evidence. A full agenda waits as we reflect on the blessings of the days just passed. Time and fellowship with family and friends has marked the last few days as blessed. Flexibility and absence of pain have contributed to freedom of movement that has added to the pleasure of the moments shared with others. A hefty dose of gratitude sustains our desire to uncover the blessings that lie ahead today. With thankfulness as our fuel we rev the engine of faith as we run the race set before us.
Fog shrouds the landscape in a way that makes the trees and gazebo appear three dimensional. Light is just beginning to break through the mist on the eastern horizon. The days are beginning to become slightly shorter and the time is approaching when the summer will be over. The presence of our granddaughter over the past few weeks has been a gift to cherish. Little did I know that being busy with “horse camp,” riding lessons, numerous appointments and just plain banter and chatter would be the frosting on this summer pudding. Soon her teenage years may distract her, but for now I choose to focus on the joy we all share in experiencing life with the wonder of youth spewing forth exuberantly. Whether the result of physical therapy, warm weather, the distraction of pre-teen agendas, or all of the above, the symptoms of my chronic ailment have seemed to demand less attention. I am possessed with gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of creating fond memories for my granddaughter and for the flexibility to participate. The potter is not done with the clay and I am thankful to have been a witness to the Master Craftsman at work.
A hazy glow spreads wide over the landscape as the warm air hovering the colder earth delivers an early morning fog. The wind is calm as the trees on the hillside make their stand in the shadowy mist. Prognosticators assert that rain will soon dissolve the cloudy glow as yet another warmer weather system visits from the south. The rain and fog will clear and sun will shine again on the beauty of the blooming landscape pronouncing to all the majesty of the Creator. Two days ago this boomer was internally clouded by the presence of pain from a migraine that was persistent. Although it had departed by the third day, its foggy effects lingered in a cloud of thought and feeling. Having experienced the ups and downs of life I knew that this too would pass. In the midst of its persistence there were times of doubt. The day of deliverance is here as even in the midst of the fog outside the inside fog has lifted and a heart of gratitude shines brightly within. Thankfulness fills this soul for the privilege of having clear days in which to soak up the rays of grace and mercy.
Fog crowds the landscape as it obscures visibility in the distance. The chill, though well above freezing, cuts to the bone as it is propelled by the permeating dampness. Winter is only a few weeks old but is acting like a spoiled adolescent with its seemingly arbitrary mood swings. The wood stoked stove and the oil fired furnace help maintain a steady state inside the doors of the old farmhouse. Similarly, keeping the body stoked with exercise and good nutrition, supplemented with dopamine replenishing medications, helps this old body maintain a relatively steady state as well. No matter the level of visibility outside or the degree of disequilibrium inside, the offering of thanks for the degree of relief experienced gives this one joy to offer. May the sun of gratitude shine brightly in your heart melting away the frosty crystals of self doubt or fear!
The frost covered meadow glistens as the fog rises from the riverbed reminding us that even in the light of the bright morning sun, the cold of winter will soon be at hand. Gone for now are the days of short sleeved strolls down the farm lane. Strolls now are layered and cut short by the grip of the biting cold wind. Firewood is still being gathered in anticipation for the frosty months ahead. Stable stalls will soon be dressed in layers of straw and hay as barn animals nestle in, finding refuge from nature’s winter visit. Prepared or not for the coming change the earth’s rotation progresses as it has for millennia before. We are each the product of change. From gamete to blastula to embryo to baby, change is the very nature of that into which we are crafted. As change after change moves forward we view the progression as age. The fullness of life is experienced in the embrace of change, not as a destination but as the journey. May your embrace today be of the fullness awaiting your outstretched arms!