Redirects

“A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.” (Prov. 16:9)

Best Laid Plans

The last few times that I have gone out to capture images in my photography have left me thinking quite a bit about plans vs. what ends up becoming reality. Upon setting out for each adventure I had something very specific in my based on what I was hoping for in terms of conditions and the subject that I was hoping to capture. Ironically, three outings in a row it has been an attempt to capture a grand landscape image of Mt. Rainier with what I imagined to be a perfect sunrise or sunset light and each of the three times this has not been what I came home with.

Flexibility

The first event that this lesson became apparent was an evening attempt at sunset light toward the mountain. I waited for the perfect time and due to low clouds to the West their was zero sunset color and I packed up and went to the car. Just as I was getting in somewhat disappointed the most magnificent full moon started to rise over the mountains to the North and I ran to the waters edge and caught some images that I will always treasure.

The second time was even a bit more interesting as it was an early sunrise attempt at the mountain shot on December 21st (Winter Solstice). I arrived at a location with a sculpture that is actually designed around the Winter Solstice and instead of being alone at sunrise I found an entire party complete with coffee and other photographers. This time the clouds rolled in and the sunrise never came out for good images either. But… I came away with friends instead of photos!

The third time was just this morning at the same location as the first outing I described. Got there early, the light was promising and I got all set up but when I started shooting I realized that between the haze near the mountain and the extreme bright sun coming up behind the mountain, the shot was not what I imagined. It was then that I took the camera off the tripod and just started shooting whatever came around the pier that I was on and this beautiful little loon kept coming around so that is what I came away with today and I am thankful for the little things that sometimes cross my path.

Directed Steps

Life is much the same as the lessons that I have shared here. As Proverbs states, “man’s heart plans… the Lord directs…” We must be ready to pivot rather than pout and flex rather than fixate. We should have goals and plans in life but when God shows a different plan it is time to give up control and let Him show you what He has in mind. Much like getting a moonshot instead of the mountain, making a friend instead of a photo, or simply enjoying watching a loon on the water, it doesn’t do any good to fret about what might have been. Just enjoy the journey of life and be thankful for God’s gifts.

On this Christmas week as you celebrate Christ’s birth by giving and receiving gifts don’t forget to take the time to thank the Lord for the gifts that He has given you in your life. Enjoy time with family and of course, take lots of pictures that you can treasure in later years.

Ken
Psalm 8:3-9