Illuminations

Early in my journey as a nature photographer, I believed I could just go out anytime and photograph any subject. I thought many of my images would be pleasing to and well-received by editors. However, the reality was that a lot of my time and effort was not particularly well spent and a lot of my photos were not worth keeping.

Twenty centuries before my efforts, a man named Saul worked diligently at going out and arresting and persecuting followers of Jesus Christ. He thought his efforts would be pleasing to and well-received by God. However, on the road to Damascus, Saul found out that was not the case. A brilliantly bright light appeared to Saul, blinding him. Lacking sight, he stumbled along the remaining way to town guided by someone else’s hand. (See Acts 9:1-8.)

In my work outdoors with a camera, I realized I needed to be guided by and sensitive to the light of the sun. Thus, when it was overcast, I focused on waterfalls or on wildflowers.

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When the sun was out in full force, I would focus on scenes that included the sky or on wildlife.

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In the case of Saul, God used Ananias, a Christian, to go to Saul, restore his sight and help this former persecutor see that his life needed to be guided by the light of the Son, Jesus Christ. (See Acts 9:10-18.) Then, this man, who took the name Paul, focused the remainder of his life on encouraging and mentoring other Christians. And I have been one of the countless beneficiaries of this apostle’s guidance through his New Testament letters.

Going forward, I want to focus my attention on the path God illuminates for me day by day.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.

– Psalm 119:105 (New Living Translation)