Can’t see through the fog? Have faith until it clears

William Arthur Ward is one of America's most quoted writers of inspirational maxims. He said, "The adventure of life is to learn."

I crave exciting or noteworthy events experienced firsthand. I savor those that teach me a lesson and boost my confidence.

By the time you read this, according to the calendar, spring will have sprung. I planned to have this column submitted earlier. Remember: I am a procrastinator.

I want to share reflections from a final hoorah of the 2023 winter season. I have a wintertime addiction: snowstorms. Bring on the powder!

A few weeks ago, my husband and I journeyed to the White Mountains of the Granite state. We went with the anticipation of snow, as per the prediction of meteorologists. Guess what?

Just prior to our arrival, ole’ man winter blanketed the lower elevations with 30-plus inches of white fluff and the higher one’s much more.

Two hours out from our destination, crystals of snow were continuing to fall. Highway maintenance from snow plows before, during, and after a snowstorm is always appreciated. We had a personal escort directly into the village of Jackson, New Hampshire. How is that for service?

Our quaint, quiet abode at the Riverwood Inn, riverwoodinn-jackson.com, was perfect in every way. The owners, gifted in hospitality and culinary skills, treated us like royalty.

Savory breakfasts, perfectly created and served, were indeed fit for kings. Homemade polenta with crispy prosciutto ham, poached egg, roasted tomato butter sauce, parmesan and garlic oil alongside seasoned red potatoes sure pleased my palate.

Fresh coffee and homemade, warm cookies were a delightful late afternoon snack.

Hungry yet?

Comfortable sleep and good rest coupled with a nutritious first meal of the day provided just the refueling for frolicking in the snow.

You may prefer the warmth of a ski lodge, thermos of hot chocolate, a good book in hand and a window to look out over the slopes and that is perfectly fine. For me, I prefer the total opposite.

Classic cross-country (Nordic) skiing was a great choice for exploring nearby wilderness areas. Bodily injury was not a major concern due to provision of my own locomotion to propel me forward. Prayers were short, sweet and to the point.

Gravity rules in downhill (Alpine) skiing, therefore focusing on technique is necessary to control my speed. I hope to never cause mayhem on the slopes. Specific prayers during moments of intentional adrenaline rushes are profitable.

Consistently ranked as the best scenery in the east, Wildcat Mountain in Pinkham Notch has unparalleled views of New England’s highest peak and Presidential range, Mount Washington.

Honey, get out your wallet and purchase the lift tickets! Time to head out for some carving and freestyle (kidding)!

Finite minds should have considered current weather conditions. Someone did not consult with AccuWeather. Oh, well.

Jack Frost came through with the snow, but he was a bit too generous with his wares. Cloudy gray skies, wind in overtime mode, temperatures well below freezing, bitter cold wind chills. Definitely not the desired bluebird day out on the slopes.

Upon reaching the top of the mountain, I paused and looked around. Disappointed, to say the least. The scenery was less than spectacular as heavy, dense fog shrouded the view of Mount Washington, though I knew it was there.

Fog is defined as water droplets suspended in the atmosphere in the vicinity of the earth’s surface that affect visibility. Visibility is reduced below 1 km (0.62 miles). Foggy weather is not the most appealing; it’s quite restrictive, often blocking a view.

It was frigid, so my whining and complaining was kept to a minimum as I ventured down successfully. Grateful, to say the least. It is always beneficial to consider the positive in every situation.

For a few moments, will you consider a spiritual perspective with me?

Life is a journey. Every day will not be clear, blue skies. There will be days and even nights of fog, sometimes heavy and dense. Daunting circumstances, overwhelming trials, situations that seem hopeless reduce, and at times, shroud my visibility of the Creator God.

Soaking in God’s word and remembering his provision for me in the past reminds me God is always there, no matter how thick the fog is.

The writer of the book of Hebrews reminds me that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).”

The same God I know on a bluebird day is the same God in the fog of the day or night. Faith is my confidence and confidence is my faith. Blessed assurance.

My inability to see the most topographically prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River that day did not change the fact that it was, indeed, there.

How perfect it was that as we drove out of Jackson to begin our journey home, the fog lifted and a spectacular view of a snow-covered Mount Washington was revealed. I knew it was there!

The Creator God never ceases to amaze me. A valuable lesson learned from an adventure for sure. Hoorah! Belated wishes for a happy spring!