The Right Time

During the course of my years working outdoors with a camera, I have become convinced there are several critical factors which contribute to consistently producing worthwhile photographs. One of these factors is being at a location at the right time.

In August 2015, my wife and I drove the Beartooth Scenic Byway for the first time. Meandering across the Montana-Wyoming boundary, the road rises to over 10,000 feet, traversing alpine terrain as mountains march off into the distance. Long-time CBS traveling reporter Charles Kuralt called it “the most beautiful drive in America.” But not on that particular day. Gloomy, gray clouds sadly hung from the sky. As if this were not enough, a none-too-gentle breeze emphasized the chilly temperature, making it less than pleasant to be outside for more than a few minutes.

Just before the middle of July 2018, we returned to that area. Azure blue sky and heavenly 70-degree weather welcomed us with open arms. Wildflowers danced on the hillsides. Snow decorated the mountain summits. And we rejoiced with God’s creation!

Pleated gentian, snow buttercup  -  Beartooth Scenic Byway, Custer National Forest, Montana


&spsp.;Subalpine fleabane, snow buttercups, mountain view  -  Beartooth Scenic Byway, Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming&spspspsp;American bistort (white), other wildflowers  -  Beartooth Scenic Byway, Custer National Forest, Montana

In the life of faith, I believe God’s timing is the right time. What follows below is a personal example.

For many years, I prayed about being married: while in college . . . during two years in the army . . . through the first several years of working in Information Technology. At the church where I was a member, I took a job as Superintendent of a Seventh Grade Sunday School Department. When I completed my one-year commitment, I went back to the Single Adult Sunday School Class. There I met a beautiful, tall blonde. About a year later, she agreed to marry me. For more than forty years, Jean has blessed me in more ways than I could have imagined as both my wife and my best friend.

When the right time came, the time God decided on,
he sent his Son . . . to buy freedom for us
who were slaves to the law so that he could adopt us

– Galatians 4:4a,5a (The Living Bible)