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Blogs by Dr. Ronald D. Bissell
Fog 11/17/2006 4:33:31 AM
When I got up this morning I looked outside through my bedroom window to see rain, dark skies, and a gloomy world. Here in the Northeast it's been like that for the past week. Storm after storm has belted us with soaking rain at times causing most yards to turn into mud puddles and most trees devoid of leaves. It's hard to perk up when you see a sight like this.
Yesterday, I needed to go to town for a doctor's appointment. Upon reaching the city and approaching one of its over-the-inlet bridges, I tried to see beyond the rail on the side of the road. All I could see was a wall of white blocking my view of the harbor. I knew the harbor was there but couldn't see it. Nothing but fog everywhere you looked. In fact, I could only see perhaps 100 feet in front of my car. The fog persisted for the morning hours only to return again as night approached. I've seen many times this thick almost yellow brown wall of fog sitting off the coastline but this was simply a complete blockout of anything resembling the world I knew was there.
I am reminded of how what I experienced yesterday is similar to my spiritual journey. I can see a few feet in front of me but when I try to look to the side or behind I am blinded by a wall of thick obtrusive fog. I can't see anything. I trust the world I envision is there, I know I'm following the correct path for myself, but I can't see the path of others because I'm blinded by the fog that surrounds me. I also know that someday hopefullly in the far future that wall of fog will lift and I'll be able to see the wonder that lies beyond its menacing filter. Once in a while I may see a glimpse of my journey but only a glimpse. I can proceed full steam ahead and take a chance on hitting a wall or obtructing someone else's view or I can slow down and prevent any injury from happening.
Yes, fog and my spiritual journey are very much alike. Both prevent me from seeing far ahead, both cause me to tread lightly, cautiously, and fortunately both allow me to move forward along my chosen path. You notice I didn't say the journey was easy or without peril. It is a journey of unknown proportions, unknown terrain, and unknown stopovers and delays. But it is a journey worth taking because the alternative is a stagnant, foul, and utterly useless life.
The next time you see fog and have to slow down to see where you are going remember this short essay and forge ahead with the assurance of a never ending journey that will create all the wonder you could ever desire.
