Peace in the Fog

 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." 

                                                                             John 14:27

                                                                 

In the Central Valley of California we have something called Tule Fog. Tule fog is a thick ground fog that forms during winter and early spring after the first major rainfall of the season. You can have days were you never see the sun but have a haze of fog all day. There are people that are afraid to go outside some days because the fog can be so thick. Driving can be a challenge at times with visibility being close to zero.

I have had seasons of my life were I have been in a fog, afraid to go outside. We don't know what is out there in front of us every day. Tomorrow can bring joys or sorrows. We have a choice in this life to either stay home and hide from the fog of life or embrace it.

I love how peaceful it can be early in the morning out in the fog when all is still and calm, taking a walk just enjoying the wonders of life. No the path before me is not completely clear and when I have a choice I stay away from the thickest patches of fog. But life is the same, our way is filled with fuzzy paths, some clearer than others.





The peace of the Lord which passes all understanding is a great comfort to those that know him. To be able to walk through times of great trial and difficulty yet have this underlying since of peace is an incredible gift from God. This holiday season I have been thinking a lot about my parents and reflecting on how different I was in my walk with God from the time my father was killed to when my mother died and how that made a difference in how I dealt with the two deaths. Both filled with sorrow. One lead to destructful behaviors and the other just sorrow with an underlying since of peace.