Finding Joy

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 5:16-18)

The image that I have posted today has a few lessons for me both in life and photography. This particular afternoon in September the sky was dull and hazy due to late Summer wildfires. The atmosphere of the day was not only dull but even had a feeling of oppression as the haze prevented seeing more than a few miles and the usual beauty of our mountains and water in the Puget Sound was not coming out in its usual splendor. Taking in the late afternoon near the water at the Dash Point Park the conditions were bad enough that photography was not even something I was considering.

As my wife and I watched the varied people on the beach kayaking, fishing, or playing with their dogs the contrast of the dullness of the day with the fact that folks like this gentleman in the photo were still finding joy in it began to formulate an image in my mind. The image that I saw in my mind of this elderly man sitting in what is actually a very purple chair peacefully fishing on a gray day became a dramatic black and white that I hoped would show a calmness and a bit of joy and peace even when conditions are not ideal. In terms of photography lessons, this image shows me that if you look for it even the worst of days in terms of photo conditions can still yield a good image.

The lesson for life in this one brings to mind the need for us to find joy and be thankful regardless of our circumstances. This elderly gentleman didn’t let the day get him down and stay at home just because the afternoon was dull and hazy. He decided to pick up his fishing gear and a purple chair and head to the beach in hopes that he would catch himself dinner. The water was calm without a breath of wind, the smoke was thick in the atmosphere but his focus was on the prize before him and finding joy in that pursuit regardless of his surroundings.

I hope that this photo and short lesson for life and photography has been an encouragement to you today. If you find my images and blog encouraging please share my site with someone so they can be encouraged and blessed through my work as well. Have a wonderful day and don’t forget to take some pictures along the way in your journey of life.

Blessings,

Ken