A Foggy Journey

"Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers — all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:15-17).

The view was sublime from the rock at the look out point on the mountain. Madalyn (our oldest daughter), Ginger and I had hiked a couple hours to get there. Then we just sat and took it all in. It was a foggy morning, so the valley below was obscured. But I didn't mind. The fog added a bit more adventure, mystique and its own beauty to the whole experience.

Sometimes that's how life feels, doesn't it? Whether it be navigating a new relationship or job or ministry, the unknown can be exhilarating. But we all know that not knowing can also lead to fear. After all, we can't see what's coming. We don't know what the next turn will reveal. And so anxiety can sometimes tempt us to stand still — to stay where we've always been and not venture forward.

But I believe God is always challenging us to move ahead in the midst of the fog. It's true that we don't know what's before us, but we can take comfort in the fact that God does.

Paul tells us in Colossians that through Christ all things were created, visible or invisible. So there's nothing hiding in the shadows or the fog that he's unaware of. He clearly sees it all since through him it was all made. What's more, Paul goes on to say that the very fabric of the created order is held together in Christ. That's quite a remarkable reality to consider, and one we should ponder as motivation to move forward when plagued with the fear of the unknown.

Yes, the fog is mysterious. But that's part of it's appeal — especially once we internalize the fact that Jesus is in the fog. May we follow him there.

Fr. Darin+