Recently while in Antigua, I mentioned to a friend how hard it was to see the Volcano Agua because of the haze. Agua is a huge volcano towering in the background, but that day I strained to see it. The only things visible were those right in front of me.

As I continued walking, it struck me. How often have I been so caught up and distracted by the current circumstances that I miss the bigger picture and more important things in the background? How often do I let lesser things keep the greater things in a haze like the volcano that day?

Years before, while studying Spanish, I remember watching Volcano Agua and the two others surrounding Antigua disappear behind the clouds as the rain came in each afternoon. For those that only visited in the afternoon, the volcanoes would never be seen and remained hidden and unknown. At the same time, I sensed a calling to look behind the clouds to find what others might not ever see or know because they were caught up with what was just in front of them and easily visible.

As I walked, I was encouraged to look beyond temporary circumstances to the eternal promises of God. I was also reminded that He is always there, whether or not I see or sense His presence. I just need to press past the haze to find Him again.