Wayfinding in the Fog

No matter what our season in our world … we face the foggy. Really blog manager Carla Foote offers perspective in those bleary times. 

Elisa

Wayfinding in the Fog

By Carla Foote

It was a foggy morning on the lake where we were staying for a week. Fog is fairly common in the Puget Sound area, but less so in Denver, where we live. Maybe that’s why I love foggy mornings. Especially ones when I can sit and sip tea slowly and watch the vague outline of the trees across the lake.

While there is beauty in the fog, it also can be disorienting. The underlying physical reality of earth, trees, and water has not changed, but what is true is less visible. We have to trust that the hidden realities are still there, as a foundation for our lives.

As the fog was lifting, we participated in online worship with our church in Denver. One of the songs of worship was “Waymaker,” affirming that even when we can’t see what God is doing, he is still active as the light in the darkness.

As I thought about the fog and how it can cloud my understanding, I recalled the verse of scripture, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

I couldn’t remember the context of the verse, so I re-read that chapter of 2 Corinthians. Paul describes the groaning and longing we experience in our earthly “tents” as we live into our lives as new creations, reconciled with our God and Creator. He goes on to encourage us to be Christ’s ambassadors, pointing people toward the reconciliation possible through Jesus.

Two aspects of this reality are encouraging to me. First, we are not alone in the fog because God took the initiative to reconcile us to himself. This reality is why we can live by faith, not by sight, knowing that God is our foundation, and he sees through the fog. The second truth is that when we are part of a faith community, we can help each other find our way through the fog, as some of us see glimmers of light.

Right now there are several dear people in our circle who are experiencing the fog of uncertainty and the brokenness of their earthly tents. I also feel the fog as I wonder how to come alongside and point toward the Waymaker, even when the way seems unclear.

The truth in the midst of the fog is that God has given his Spirit to guide us along the way (vs 5). Even if we can’t see the distant shore, it is there, and he can gently guide us in the direction of life and hope and light.

Carla Foote is the Really blog manager. She writes reflections on her Substack - Turn Toward the Light. She also writes and edits for other clients through Fine Print Editorial. When she isn't at her computer working, she enjoys walking, hiking, and gardening. She recently completed her board leadership of Magazine Training International, equipping Christian communicators around the world to share the Good News in their own context.