“Ice Thorns”

These were formed on the branches over an extended period of cold fog. While beautiful in their own way, eventually this bush is going to need the light and warmth of the sun to continue to live. The sharp ice crystals in the dreary fog reminded me of the pain many are experiencing right now and I trust these photos are an encouragement to make a choice to change your position and perspective – to choose life!

Above the fog the sky is blue and the sun is shining. Sometimes our reality makes us doubt this truth.

In a valley of damp, cold fog it’s hard to believe there is vibrant sunshine, warmth, and color. We endure these times in the hope and faith that eventually the weather will change. But “hope deferred makes the heart sick” and discouragement and depression become heavy, colorless, and cold.

Here in the Okanogan River valley, Osoyoos Lake, and the little town of Oroville we have been engulfed in winter fog for the past few days. I had the photography itch and needed to find the sun. I had a suspicion that just a few hundred feet above this fog I could find the blue sky. So, I jumped in the truck and headed up out of the valley. Sure enough, within about a 15 minute drive I exited the dense cloud.

Embraced by the bright warm sun, I realized I had made a choice. I could wallow in the fog waiting for the weather to change or I could get up and take the road to higher ground and change the weather! Of course I didn’t actually change the weather, but my choice changed my position and thus, my perspective.

I called Roxanne on the phone and informed her of my discovery. I descended back into the fog, picked up my best friend and we spent the afternoon in the sunshine! And herein is another reality: when you make a choice, it gives others opportunity and the strength to also make a choice too – out of the confines of dreariness. And together you can enjoy the light of life.

My friends, there is a lot of fog in the world right now. Maybe it has engulfed you. There is sunshine and blue skies. It is found in the truth of Jesus and His kingdom. There is always a choice to move from where you are and travel that road of truth where your position and perspective changes and you are no longer imprisoned by discouragement, depression, and bitterness. And you have the significant influence and example to encourage others to join you.