Taking the time to see

October 2, 2013

Today I spent the gorgeous autumn day with family & friends, as we took time to see and notice and pay attention. At the all-day Christian Contemplative Photography workshop (led by Allen & Nancy Penton) we tried to capture photographic images under the guidance of the Holy Spirit within us. Using contemplative exercises and photography assignments in nature, we learned different ways of seeing the created world, expressing that inspired vision through photography and journaling.

“Forgotten Fork”

I noticed this fork, which someone had left behind on top of a stone grill. I liked the way the sun played with it – there’s even a beautiful reflection of earth and sky where the handle meets the tines. But there it lay . . . forgotten. There was nothing wrong with this implement; it had plenty of potential. As I pondered this photo, I remembered Isaiah 49:15 (NLT) – “Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!” I have a renewed desire to seek out and find those who have in some way been forgotten, laid down, overlooked, or passed by. Lord, help me to discover and call out the treasures of other’s lives, and help me to influence others to find life and purpose in you, Jesus!

“Tender Life”

I glanced around to check on my girls, who were sprinkled around the woods nearby, when I spotted a tiny, shin-high evergreen tree with just two branches and a “trunk” bent heavily to one side. It reminded me that so many people are like this tender tree – fragile, vulnerable, downcast, at risk of being damaged or destroyed. I remembered 1 Thessalonians 5:14c and looked it up in two of my favorite translations – “Take tender care of those who are weak” (NLT) and “Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet” (The Message). Lord, give me opportunities to encourage and come alongside those in need of refreshment, strength, or hope, just as You’ve sent many others to encourage and come alongside me in my times of need.

“Blue Flux”

Early in the day I was irresistibly drawn to the blueness and movement of the lake. I love, love, love the way water and light interact. “Flux” is a word with many meanings – it can refer to flowing, movement, continuous change. It can also refer to a substance used to refine metals by combining with impurities to form a molten mixture that can be readily removed. As I pondered the beauty of the blue flux before me, I thought of God’s love, presence, and glory – He is all-encompassing, alive, always on the move, beautiful, cleansing, purifying, sustaining, satisfying, flowing, life-giving. I remembered Ezekiel 47:9 (NLT) – “There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this river flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows.” I want to live in the place of continual abiding in and awareness of God’s love, presence, and glory, and to do what I can to encourage others to receive the only One who can sustain and satisfy the deepest longings of their souls. River of God, flow! Let Your abundant life flourish!

It was a beautiful day, and I look forward to the next contemplative photography workshop in the spring. Let me know if you’d like to join us!