Vivid Memory of Foggy Day (9/29/2023)

This morning as I sat on my porch with my LORD and my morning coffee, the fog provided an eerie backdrop to my prayer. And as I read through the readings for the day, the psalm stirred within me the vivid memory of another day nearly 30 years ago when the LORD and the archangels accompanied me.

It was a Saturday morning. I had agreed to facilitate a Confirmation retreat for the youth of the parish at Tennyson and Potosi. It meant a 100-mile drive from my home in Sun Prairie. I was all set for the day, my plan in my mind, my supplies in my trunk, when I awoke to the densest fog I have ever seen. I knew I would need extra time for travel, so I rushed through my morning prayer routine knowing that my prayer would continue on the road. I knew I was going to need help getting there.

As I set out, I was grateful for Wisconsin roads and especially for the four lane roads from Sun Prairie to the Platteville exit. But I was worried about the stretch of road that had cross traffic without lights between Verona and Platteville. I began my drive with prayer before I even turned the key. I begged the LORD to help me. Using psalm 121, I prayed: My help is in the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. I pleaded for the strength and vision to make this drive safely. And as was often the case when I was going to speak or facilitate a retreat, I prayed for the intercession of the Archs (the three archangels: Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel). I asked for Michael’s help in keeping me from harm and evil. I asked Raphael to guide me through the fog on this sacred journey. I asked Gabriel to help me proclaim the greatness of the LORD at the end of my journey.

I was glad I left early. The longer I drove, the denser the fog grew. It was more than a white-knuckle drive, I was so tense, even my elbows were white. There were close calls, especially in the stretch I had been concerned about on Highway 151 with cross traffic. And at every turn I thanked the LORD for hearing my prayer. Then, just as I was about to leave the four-lane highway and turn onto the winding and hilly road to my destination, the fog lifted. And I could see clearly. My hands relaxed. My spirits rose. My prayer turned from intercessory pleading to heartfelt praise and thanksgiving.

I arrived at my destination without incident. The day went well thanks to the LORD; the Spirit was clearly present in the openness of the youth. As I drove home in the “clear” dark, I thanked the LORD for my safe travel that morning and for guidance and grace throughout the day. I prayed for the youth who were to be confirmed that they would never stray from the LORD’s guiding love.

Funny how something as simple as a foggy morning can stir up such a vivid memory complete with nervous perspiration. I have traveled many miles in my 73 years and more than I would have liked have been in less than perfect conditions. This morning I thanked the LORD again for hearing my prayers and giving me the strength I needed to show up.

As daughters and sons of our all-loving and ever-present LORD, we all will be challenged in our life’s journey. As Sister John Anthony used to remind us at St. Joseph’s Academy in Waycross, Georgia, “No one said it was going to be easy.” But we do not make the journey alone. We have our LORD “always at our side.” And we are so often blessed to have others, companions on the journey, to share the challenges and to offer loving support. May we always be aware of our need for the LORD, even on sunny days. And may praise and thanksgiving always be a part of our prayer in recognition of breadth of our need and the depth of the LORD’s love.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.