"My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun" (Malachi 1:11)
In the beginning of the summer, I revisited my long lost hobby of photography. It had been almost 25 years since I had a 35-mm camera — or in today's terms, a DSLR — in my hands. Despite my hectic schedule of working long hours, caring for my family, and fighting debilitating exhaustion at the end of the day, I decided to wind down each evening with a stroll around my neighborhood with camera in hand — taking photos of people, places and things. That's when God opened my eyes to the beauty of the trees, flowers, landscapes, the sunrise and sunset He created. I never took pictures of a sunset or sunrise before or even thought much about zooming in on the intricate details of flowers and trees. But that was the Lord's means of directing my attention away from my troubles to Him and Him alone through the lens of my camera. And through that tiny lens, I saw the greatness and majesty of God!
While focusing on Him as I walk through my neighborhood snapping away, my stress disappears and my strength and energy return.
Imagine if we all did this at the end of a busy, trying day. Not necessarily take up photography, but perhaps focusing on God by listening to your favorite worship music, meditating on a bible passage, or praying with a friend. Whatever gets your attention on the Lord is all that matters, because when we focus on Him, He speaks to us when we least expect it and promises to give us rest.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may you help us direct our thoughts toward you in the morning and at the end of the day so our strength will be renewed. Amen!
My problem is...I would mess up taking a picture of a concrete block...honestly. I do love viewing God's creation as captured through the camera of others and you have done that quite well.
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog through another blog I follow and have signed up as a follower. When you’re free, please do visit me and let me know what you think of my blog and leave a comment. If you like, do follow as well. I am always open to great new people and interesting websites. Look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks so much for the visit and even more for the gracious comment. Here's hoping you'll become a follower and my blog will be a blessing to you as yours is to me. And we can glorify Him by following one another.
ReplyDeleteJudith, thanks for the follow.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I sit out by our small firepit and just silently watch in amazment as God paints and repaints His sunsets. He's such an artist and awesome God to give us such beautiful gifts such as sunsets.
Yes God is the ultimate, quintessential artist! Not one sunset looks the same! How creative is that?
ReplyDeleteOne thing we need to do is too sit back and look at His creation and take it all in!
I really enjoyed reading the posts on your blog. I would like to invite you to come on over to my blog and check it out. God bless, Lloyd
ReplyDeleteHi, Judy! Thank you for visiting my blogs; it was a pleasure to read your encouraging comments. I couldn't leave a comment on your photography blog so I'm leaving one here. :)
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about focusing on the Lord through photography. For some of us, just grabbing the camera and taking a short walk while looking for signs of His creation, or His love/glory/(fill in the blank!) is so refreshing! I love shooting macro for that very reason--His creation is so complex and even a simple flower shines with His beauty.
Have a wonderful week!
Christine