In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. – Genesis 1:1-2
One of my favorite river phenomenons is when mist rises off the water on a cool morning like today. It can be described in many ways but I really like, “The River’s Breath.” Or in the worlds of one of my favorite 70’s bands, “Smoke on the Water” (Deep Purple).
The “breath” or “smoke” is condensed air produced by the temperature difference at the interface – the air is very cold and the water a little warmer. This causes the vapor released from the water to saturate the underlying cold air and condense.
I like the following more complete explanation from the “Friends of the Mississippi River” website:
Basically, it goes like this: at the surface of a body of water, the energy of the sun causes water to evaporate, so the amount of water vapor in the air, or humidity, is higher at the water surface. The warmer the air temperature, the more moisture it can hold. When the air temperature drops, the water condenses and forms vapor. Lakes and rivers store a lot of heat over the summer, so when air temperatures decrease in fall and early winter that energy is released. Increased evaporation results in higher humidity levels near the water’s surface. When air temperatures drop at night the humidity rises to 100 percent, at which point the air can hold no more moisture. Because there is still stored energy in the water, evaporation continues and the water molecules almost immediately condense as vapor, or mist, as they rise.
The beauty of the scene does not require a scientific understanding so much as paying attention and a wide open spirit. More to the point, the beauty exists regardless of our perception; but – in a way – the beauty is activated when we are in a position to receive it.
I once believed that pausing to take a photograph had the effect of disrupting an otherwise pure moment, but now I understand that – for me – framing an image helps me to see with more focus, extra clarity and greater love.
This is why I often return to my favorite Fred Rogers quote: “God’s revealing evidence is everywhere,” Rebekah and I heard him say to Arsenio Hall late one night, “we just have to receive it.”
It’s our job, our responsibility, to receive the good gifts God has for us.
There is a sense in which the relational part of the equation, the active receiving, not only makes what we are experiencing more wondrous, it connects us with “the Spirit of God [that is still] hovering over the waters….”
With a grateful heart – DEREK