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I walked the dog across the field in the early morning fog. Everything was shrouded in a gray mist, my eyes strained to see what was ahead of us. As the dog sniffed his way along I spotted something large and dark in the distance. Through the thick fog I could only see an indistinct form. I stopped and stared. The dog's eyes, too dim from age, saw nothing. Yet, he knew I had been alarmed by something and lifted his head to sniff the air. The distant form stood still. At first I thought it might simply be another walker, but as I strained my eyes I became certain that it was actually a large dog. I moved slowly and cautiously through the field watching what I now knew was a large dog facing toward us. As I moved, it seemed to move slightly, but its position never changed. I could feel my anxiety rising as I walked closer. The form now stood motionless. Then suddenly in that strange magic of morning mist at sunrise, the fog lifted. There before us stood the "menacing dog". It was only a trash can filled to overflowing. I laughed in relief as the bright stream of morning light suddenly glistened across the open field. I wonder how many other concerns about the future will be revealed to be no more troubling than an overflowing trash can when the fog is finally lifted. As the shepherds were abiding in fields keeping watch by night, there appeared a great light that swept across the field and angels sang out, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy to all people. A Savior born in Bethlehem." It was then and there that enough light was given concerning all our futures. Because of that one birth, of God with us, we can walk through the fog of this present moment with a joyful faith about our future. Someday the fog will be lifted and truth will wash out in gleams of hope and possibility across the earth. we will then be able to laugh at our fears and realize the saving wonder of God's love for all people. And even now, we can still sing songs of joy as we walk through the fog covered fields of life. By God's grace, we know a new day is on its way. --H.S. |