Simplicity
'“And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,” (1 Thess 4:11)
In photography it is sometimes the simple uncomplicated images that have the most powerful impact. Focusing in on one subject and removing the distractions of a busy background have the same effect of turning down the background noise in a room to allow focus. This “less is more” approach can give room for the subject to breath and the mind of the observer to wonder. How did that leaf end up floating in the water? Where is the location? How deep and cold is the water that the leaf is floating on? By the color of the leaf the observer can deduce that it is the Fall season but possibly not the exact month.
The point is that a simple image without extra context is compelling because our minds can play with answers and be allowed to daydream. If the focus of the image was taken from far away and all the nearby elements such as boats and nearby trees or clues to the location then the leaf would lose importance in the image and would not likely be even noticed.
What about living a simpler life and the benefits of quietness?
This photo was taken on a quiet afternoon walk with no agenda but spending time along the waterfront enjoying Fall with my beautiful wife. It was a few moments to walk together with the dog to enjoy the beautiful October day and have the opportunity to talk and walk with no particular place to go. Along the walkway by the water I noticed this fallen leaf and I had also been noticing how clear and calm the water was so I gently dropped the leaf into the water with no purpose but to snap a photo of it. A simple, quiet act… not complicated or world changing. The dropping of the leaf did not really matter but walking quietly with my wife did matter and taking an image of this leaf that has now become a blog post marks the day in a simple way that I can now revisit it and remember the walk.
What about you? Is your life being lived quietly and in an uncomplicated way so that you can focus on what is important? Is there background noise that has become distracting to the point that you are missing your moments to savor relationship with those that are most important to you in your life? Is the noise and rush of life getting in the way of your time with the Lord? Sometimes it is good to take inventory and then take action. Slow down… turn down the volume and allow the quietness to give your mind room for focus.
As always, I hope this image and blog post has been a blessing to you today wherever and however it has reached you. Feel free to comment below if you like!
One more thing… as you slow down don’t forget to take some pictures along the way.
Ken
Psalm 8:3-9
