Leaning, Again.

Maybe not the greatest shot of a waterfall of all time, granted, but still a very pretty place nonetheless. What I recognize though is that I struggle when I travel. So many times when I'm out shooting, I can't focus my thoughts on what it is I'm trying to accomplish. And I notice in the same way, I do that on a larger scale as well.

Take photography for example. Why do I shoot? What is the purpose behind it? Then I have to ask, well then why am I shooting this or that, or this location or that place. And I so I have to distill it down.

When you're composing a scene you have to ask these kinds of questions. I knew for this shot that I wanted the waterfall, the mountains, and the yellow aspen. Arrange them in a way that feels balanced, exclude that which isn't necessary, and shoot.

It sounds simple, but for me it so often is far from it.

And what about the things I don't want, but have no control over? The blue sky is not ideal, the light is fairly average, mid-day light. The fall color is early still.

But am I shooting fall color? Or a waterfall? What story am I trying to tell? This is the dilemma I am finding myself in as I think over what it is exactly that I want to do with Kingdom First Photography.

Is this a photo site? Or is it a blog site? Is it ministry? Or am I selling something? Valid questions. Inside I know I have a kernel of the answer, a seed form of where I want to see this go. But the only thing I know to do is the next step, and try to trust God with the results.

Maybe you're dealing with some uncertainty as well. A decision you're unsure of, clouded thinking that blocks your path. Well, you're definitely not alone!

But what is the next step? More directly I should say, what is the next step of obedience? In my case, I'll continue to hone my craft(s), work on next steps in terms of business as well as ministry applications of what is here, and just try to make the best I can with what I have here, all the while knowing I need His help in it all. If I leave here without a single 'awesome' photo, then so be it, but I have to try. Pray for me if you think to.

In your case, I can't answer that, only point to His Word, knowing that for you and me His will is that we become like Christ, not that we have our 'best life now'.

I guess that's really what it boils down to. God doesn't give us the ability to change our circumstances so much, but He does give His Word. Who is God? Lean upon that, and follow what He has said for us to do.

So, do I pack up my camera and not shoot? Or do I look for the story in His creation, that even in spite of less than ideal circumstances, it still glorifies Him?

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

I know this isn't the first time I've used this verse in a blog, and I doubt it will be the last. Certainly I will not sit here and say I have this down, I believe this very passage is a lifelong journey for the Christian. But I hope this at least encourages you as you potentially struggle with the same questions.