To Will and to Work

I don't like posting photos before I'm 'done' working on them, but while this was edited on a flight, I decided I still wanted to share it with you, more to come soon Lord willing.

I apologize for the shortness of the recent blogs, and I can't guarantee next weeks will be much longer as I will be traveling once again along with others from my church on a mission trip; prayers requested.

But, as I sit in Charlotte airport waiting for my last flight home, I wanted to just take a moment and share a brief preliminary synopsis of my trip to Montana.

Last Tuesday was a whirlwind, leaving for the airport about 2:45 a.m. I arrived in Montana just before noon and met my friend and his wife. That afternoon we headed out to search for a spot to photograph. I'm already forgetting details, but I believe that night we actually scouted out the above scene. See this article for a little more on scouting.

The next day we ventured off to the Beartooths, an awesome mountain range in both Montana and Wyoming.

Thursday, however, I think we started to feel a bit of strain. And by that, I mean the weather. I came out a bit early for fall color, and the weather itself was, photographically speaking, on the bland side. We went out again that evening, I believe back to the above spot to see if we could catch a better sky than we had the previous night.

I realize as I write this that a journal would be extremely helpful, as the details are already passing from my mind. But the bottom line is this: plan for the best, expect the worst. Ok, maybe not that cynical. But the reality was, despite our best efforts, we struggled against the circumstances. I'm sure this is something I will delve into when I have more time to, as I go into details on some of our trips out.

Blue skies (perfect for vacation, not ideal for pics), cows (more on that later), green trees (instead of yellow and orange) all were a challenge for us this week.

The weather turned however towards the weekend, and Saturday, the next two mornings and evenings, became a marathon of sorts (ok, a 5k maybe) of shooting.

All told I think we both came away with a handful of shots that we are happy with, and I hope more than that they are a blessing to you and an honor to God.

But I realize, as I may have already stated, that God does care more about our character than perhaps what we do. It's how we do it as well. Photography in and of itself really isn't the most important thing in the world, right? But my attitude speaks volumes. And oftentimes it stinks. But I think the takeaway is this: I'm not responsible for the circumstances, but I am responsible for me.

God is the one who works and wills in us,

"for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." - Philippians 2:13

That said, I'm still responsible (vs. 12) for my actions, for working out my salvation with fear and trembling.

It's ironic that I think I have any control by stressing over weather or conditions. But I absolutely have the ability to bring those concerns to a loving Father, and trust that He knows what's best. And thankfully, He did provide us with shots. But more than that He provided us with time talking about some good things, and with time knowing God more. And isn't that better than a photograph?

And had He chosen to rain us out, or keep it blue skies and green trees, isn't He still worthy to be praised? Absolutely. It's hard to write things though that I know I struggle with, but I know that it's true nonetheless.

So I hope that this short synopsis is somehow an encouragement to you. As life winds down from a hectic few weeks I'll try to bring more of this trip to you, both in word and in visual.

Until then, pray for me, cuz the whirlwind tour is only half over. God bless.