The Long-Range View

Before

I leave my house before daybreak.

Two hours and a couple of stops later, I am 53 miles from my destination.

It is light, but the sun hasn’t crested the horizon yet.

The sky is clear, with no fog or clouds.

The road curves and the outline of dark peaks meet the sky.

The Blue Ridge.

Mountains and valleys loom larger and more beautiful as the flatland miles stretch behind me at highway speed.

Homes and businesses and life in the peace of green valleys and hills.

Welcoming communities show compassion and care to everyone.

Now

I stay in my home, watching the news.

Three hours and 150 miles from that destination.

The storm is over, with no inclement weather systems predicted near-term.

The road is difficult to travel, but the video reveals the outline of dark peaks against the sky.

The Blue Ridge remains.

Mountains and valleys. Some undamaged. Others devastated or gone.

Homes and businesses and life struggling in what is left.

Communities show compassion and care in the ways that are possible, and show gratitude to see every face.

The Future

I will leave my house before daybreak.

Two hours and a couple of stops later, I will be 53 miles from my destination.

It will be light, but the sun won’t have crested the horizon yet.

If the sky is clear that day, the road will curve and I will see the outline of dark peaks that meet the sky.

The Blue Ridge.

Mountains and valleys will loom larger as the flatland miles stretch behind me at highway speed.

Some homes and businesses restored or rebuilt. Life different, but hopeful.

And communities welcome and show compassion and care to everyone.

What helps you hope for better times in the future?

The Long-Range View – What helps you hope for better times in the future? Share on X

Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.