by Joanne Wiklund
Fog is a strange thing. It can totally obscure houses, barns, cars, even trees, then disappear, in whatever time frame it decides to take. Outside fog is so beautiful when it hangs over low hills, or on slopes or tops of mountains. On one trip west in late May, we went to Mount Rushmore and the faces were in fog that enveloped them. Coming up the mountain we had passed two hikers walking slowly up from Keystone, South Dakota. This was the only time among many when we were there that we couldn’t see the faces. So disappointed, we gave up in the parking lot, knowing we were just passing through.
When we were about to start back down, the hikers reached the parking lot. Their shoulders sagged and they stood there defeated. As we headed toward the exit, Hubby stopped by them, rolled down his window and said, “Sorry, we can’t see them either. It might be hours before this fog clears. Would you like a ride back down the hill?”
We were the only people in the parking lot. The two young hikers looked at each other and said “Sure!” So they climbed into the back of the van, hiking poles and all, and we headed back down to Keystone. They shared their adventures with us. This was the third day in a row they had hiked the hill to see the presidents, The fog was hanging there since their first ascent. But this was their last trip. As college students in the area for summer jobs, they would say goodbye to each other in a day or two because their jobs would be their lives for summer. At the bottom of the hill, we all said goodbye. So typical of Hubby, taking care of strangers, too.
Because of this pandemic and assorted other things, I’m having a little trouble with a different kind of fog. Brain fog. I have to ask myself what day it is. I begin my morning trying to choose clothes to wear. I saw a sign on Facebook that read: “I’m having trouble deciding what to wear to the living room for New Year’s Eve.” I laughed, but only at myself, because I understood the sign. Deciding what to do when you can’t go out, adding sheet ice and snow between you and the mailbox is a no-brainer. Stay in, make another TO DO list. I remind myself that God can clear fog both inside and out. It requires, however, that I focus on Him. To begin again daily, I try to start my day with that. He leads me when I can’t see my way.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Fog – interesting topic as their are many kinds of fogs brought on by weather but also by tricks your mind plays on you that can distort thinks that should be clear.