Fog, Mist, Morning

Fog, Mist, Morning
Thursday, September 29, 2022 by Cindy Sproles

I love everything about the mountains, but I think one of my most favorite things is a misty morning. My morning, whether I like it or not, begins at 4:30 a.m. I don’t ask to wake up then, but I do. I’m usually out of bed by 5:00 unless I force laziness over me, and then it might be 5:45 a.m.

I dress and head downstairs to pull on my rubber boots and start my morning chores with the “chickens.” But when I push open my door and step onto the porch, surrounded by a white mist that can even be seen in the dark – it takes my breath away. I love to stand there and feel nature dampen my skin and raise chill bumps on my arms.

For a few moments, I stand motionless. It’s that time of the morning when everything is still. Even the birds, who love early morning, are quiet. This is that moment when the earth takes in a deep breath before birthing a new day and it is absolutely the most serene and surreal time of the day.

I know my path around the house to the backyard. There’s no need for a flashlight or floodlight on the house. We keep the area free of obstacles and I can walk it without the worry of tripping. Though we don’t live IN the woods, there are large wooded areas behind the houses across the street and they harbor a large family of deer. It’s not unusual to have them lingering in the yard next door, or leaping our chainlink fence when they hear me coming. I can hear every crack and pop of the twigs of fallen tree limbs. I would almost say, you can hear the dew drop.

It’s a lovely moment for me, and though these days happen throughout the summer, they heighten as fall approaches. The nip in the air tells me nature is slipping into her winter rest. As I pull my sweater tight around my shoulders and make my way to the back, I can stop at the fence and raise my nose into the air – take in the sweet, sweet scent of falling leaves and taste the beginning of winter.

In this silence, wrapped in a blanket of mist, I frequently hear God speak. It’s here, through nature, He reminds me of His glory and how He is intimately a part of every detail of my life. Learning to listen takes practice because if I let my mind wander, I may miss the message that dangles in the dew or hides in the fog. God only wants me. My full attention. Though He loves my presence in His service, what He calls me most to...is the stillness where He stands. Look around. Do you see me? Do you hear me? Can you feel my presence?

Maybe I notice more about Him these days because I’m stepping into the fog of my golden years. Things seem closer, more at hand, than they used to be. Perhaps it’s the wisdom of age or the greying of my hair. Who knows. All I can say is, in this season God feels so real.

I hope you will rise earlier than normal – before the sun peers through the curtain of night, and take in the morning just before it's given to birth. There you will find peace in your confusion. Hope in the things that you don’t understand and the joy that waits when you share it with the Father of all. Bathe in the mist of the morning and find God.

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Comments

Sandra From Chambers At 10/2/2022 5:45:09 PM

Beautifully written. I can almost feel what you feel in those early morning meetings with God in the mist!

Reply by: Cindy Sproles

Awww, good. Take a walk one EARLY morning.

Melody Morrison From North Carolina At 10/1/2022 6:03:54 PM

Thanks for the misty reminder. Yesterday I was in Virginia as Hurricane Ian passed through. The wind and rain gave me a sense of God's power and protection at the same time. The smell of wet leaves and the feel of leftover drizzle this morning reminded me of His closeness.

Reply by: Cindy Sproles

I'm glad you are safe. I am learning to look deeper at God's movements.

Steven Hutson From Los Angeles At 10/1/2022 12:57:38 PM

I live in the high desert outside of Los Angeles. Every morning and evening, I can stare out from my porch and see the mountains. Walk out to the street, and I can see a beautiful sunrise/sunset. Never planned to live so far from the city, but these things make it bearable.

Reply by: Cindy Sproles

I'm sure even the high desert has its own unique beauty. Nature speaks from anywhere.

Barbara Wunderlich From Winter Park, Florida At 9/30/2022 10:29:00 PM

I love reading your blogs. Thank you for sharing what God is doing in your life. Blessings, Barb

Reply by: Cindy Sproles

Thank you. I look more and more for His presence.

Sharon Brani From Culpeper Va At 9/30/2022 1:48:28 PM

This is beautiful- I could feel it deeply as I read it. I too rise early and am stirred by the closeness of His glorious Presence. Thank you for sharing.

Reply by: Cindy Sproles

Thank you. I'm glad it brought you joy.

Jill Marie Thomas From Lewisburg, PA At 9/30/2022 12:48:54 PM

I love finding those quiet moments with the Lord!

Reply by: Cindy Sproles

Peace and stillness! Deep sigh.

Deanna Rutledge From Bedford, VA At 9/30/2022 10:34:40 AM

HI Cindy, Re your blog post, Stick to Your Writing Style. Much needed for me. I write historical Christian fiction for YAs. Nobody wants my well-written books, tho one won an award.. Can't even get BRRC readers to read them! But heartened by what you said, will stick to my guns. deannarutledge.com

Diane Huff pitts From Gulf Coast At 9/30/2022 9:23:54 AM

Enjoyed this outdoor adventure with you. Can see it, taste it, feel it. Thank you.

Rhonda S Arnold From Kingsport, TN At 9/30/2022 7:55:19 AM

Once again, Cindy, God uses you to speak to my heart! Thanks!

Beth Westcott From Otego, NY At 9/30/2022 7:16:08 AM

I love the peacefulness and freshness of early morning outdoors. In winter, I enjoy shoveling the snow as the sky is getting light, as long as the wind isn't blowing and the snow's not deep. But I don't have to feed the chickens.