A MORNING FOG

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SEARCHERS
A Morning Fog
Monday, October 29th, at 8:30 AM, I launch my canoe into a community lake.  The temperature is a pleasant 60 degrees, which is especially nice when you are preparing to stretch a few muscles.  However, this morning is special for I am launching my canoe into a heavy fog that has enveloped the lake’s slightly lower altitude.  Soon my canoe buoys on water’s surface and I glide effortlessly toward the unknown.
I say unknown, for the fog has radically changed a once familiar atmosphere.  There are no wind swaying trees, no birds chirping, and no bank on the far side.  Indeed the only things I can see are my light gray cloud that surrounds me, the beautiful wooden interior of my Canadian made canoe, and my legs and extended arms that clutch my 15 degree angled Sawyer paddle.  Strangely, my cloud does not invite my soul to ponder limitation, but erases all boundaries, inviting my soul to ponder the eternal.
Erasing limitations can be unnerving. Our boundaries provide a sense of security until they are suddenly distorted or erased entirely.  Why are we so dependent on what we can see? This morning, with eyes wide open, I begin to breathe slowly and deeply through my nostrils, enjoying the cool morning air. I ponder, “What does an alligator smell like?”  My senses begin to search the world for subtleties beyond what I can see. An occasional car engine, most probably occupied by someone going to work, assures me I have not fallen off the edge. I smile, enjoying how my stealth like invisibility gives me knowledge others do not possess.  My heart warms as my forced humility enables me to enjoy once again resting my life in the firm grasp of my Heavenly Father. An unspoken prayer lifts up a simple expression, “Thank you Jesus for this wonderful day.”
Soon the fog begins to lift and the power of my eyesight is restored.  Yet I now paddle aware of more than what I can see. I continue the long slow inhalation, expiration, and inspiration of the cool morning air.  I feel giddy as I capture the first sound of an unseen winged creation, and the embrace of a loving God continues with me, hopefully throughout the entire day.  No wonder Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20: 29b
If you, or you know others who would like to explore a greater possibility of knowing that which is unseen, please call me at 713-854-6595.
A special thanks to another church member for the donation of a canoe.  I now have 9 canoes, one kayak, and a jon boat. I would love to organize an outing for your group.  If you would like to make a donation of equipment or a donation to offset expenses call me or send a check to the church earmarked “The Searchers.’
Darwood Galaway

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