When the Mist Blows Away
Andrew Fox of Chesterfield, England
Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” -Luke 8:19-21
We had spent several days walking in Scotland. Each day the walks had become more challenging as we prepared ourselves for the final walk of the week. And so, on a cold November morning, our small group started off on a trek that required us to climb one of the highest peaks in Scotland.
As we neared the peak of our climb the weather quickly deteriorated, and it became very misty. We were trekking along a narrow walkway and could see virtually nothing in front of us. I was very inexperienced at walking on such a terrain but was not particularly concerned because I had confidence in our leaders, Andrew and Simon. I later discovered that Andrew and Simon were far more concerned than I was. The weather conditions made it virtually impossible to see the path we needed to be on, and they did not know whether or not it was safe to proceed.
Suddenly, the wind blew away the mist. I was filled with awe as spread out in front of me was mile upon mile of the most incredibly beautiful landscape. When the mist cleared, I saw beauty; what Andrew and Simon saw was the path. Soon the mist rolled back in, but we were now on the right path and were able to return safely to our base.
Sometimes things in our life blind us to the path God wants us to follow. But I am convinced that, for each one of us, there will be occasions when the mist is blown away, and we will once again see the path of the disciple spread out in front of us.
Prayer Phrase
“May I open myself to change, to being guided by the Spirit; may I risk the unknown and live into the Mystery!” (Nan C. Merrill, Psalms for Praying, 234)
Spiritual Practice
A New Beginning
Opportunities for new beginnings occur in each moment, day, or year. Even when we feel stuck, the Spirit is always offering an invitation to return to our deeper intention of living life fully with God, others, creation, and our truest selves. Pay attention at the opening of this new year to what feels like a fresh beginning in you. Where is the Spirit inviting you into a new possibility, awareness, or way of being?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
