The Fog of Presence

As I awoke yesterday the light was dim and the sun still hesitating on the other side of the world. As dawn began a vivid pink caught my attention. The sky was a masterpiece of color. The gray fields now barren of corn and beans were cloaked in a band of fog. The white mist hung heavy above the ground yet remained below the tips of the trees. I sensed this was a scene I should be aware of, that this image would resound within me to be called forth in another context or with deeper meaning. I was struck with the density of this band of mist, strangely present, uniquely dense.  I sensed God’s presence, his power resting over the world, abiding, standing guard.

A few months ago I was reading Ezekiel and was struck by his vision and the aura of a rainbow emanating from the presence of God. I always thought of the rainbow as the visual reminder of God’s promise, a tweak of thought to his power. A symbol of his patience. It wasn’t until in that reading I understood the rainbow as an image of God’s presence. His color and impact upon his creation. Not a reminder only, but a sighting. I am reminded of that gossamer of God as I witnessed the fog.

Growing up in California the fog would be very thick. So thick we would play tag in the fog. Within a few feet we would be hidden from each other. Every step was a daring encounter to avoid collision and discovery by the game’s pursuer. I loved that game. The danger, the damp air, the mystery.

We are tempted to think that the fog hides us. The sticky, damp areas of life that we place ourselves behind will prove to send God beyond us. We try to veil ourselves, cover our heads from the wash of rain. If we hide from the storms, we will not be touched by them. Our wayward actions can go undiscovered and we can point to the rainbow of promise and find peace in God’s justice to provide safe harbor.

But God is the rainbow, God is the fog and storm. While we may try to hide God has actually enfolded us within his grace and Spirit. We do not dodge and run away from God. He is not the pursuer in the game to catch us. He is there swirling around our legs and shoulders. God is the little cat’s feet of Carl Sandburg silently laying a blanket of grace over the world. God is the color and the hope that finds us in the light of seeing the storm through. He is the storm and the healing presence that is that bright and terrible teacher and the calming presence all wrapped up in a rainbow of grace and mercy.

As you dance and play through your day, may you sight the presence of the holy and beloved creator and know the love that changes life.