Everywhere, Everyday Grace

Truth be told, I’ve never been much of a “hobby” kind of girl. I’ve never been particularly crafty, artsy, or creative, but I’ve always loved photography.

The prospect of capturing images in beautiful, inspiring, and story-telling ways intrigues me... challenges me. There's something about the blending of art and technology that I find fascinating, I think. Who knows? Maybe I’ve found a hobby, after all...

However...

When I pick up my camera, I often feel intimidated and insecure. What exactly do all of those buttons do? And the menu list? Whoa... very intimidating! I carry my owner’s manual around with me because I can never remember which knob, button, or dial does what! Usually, I end up so frustrated that I give up and set my camera right back to the “Auto” mode. Rather than harness the power of this digital SLR, I limit this wonderful device to that of an overweight point-and-shoot!

And what will "they" think of this shot? Who are "they" any ways? And why do I worry so much about what others think of me? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things! Everything is for Him, and I am for Him.

Intimidation, insecurity, and fear are some of my greatest enemies. With very little warning, they are able to paralyze me and prevent me from doing anything. If left alone, they quickly stunt my growth, rendering me forever immature. And not just in photography but in many areas of my life.

Lately, I’ve felt God challenging me in this area... reminding me that when we are weak, He is strong... reminding me that He is the source of all of our gifts, talents, and abilities... encouraging me to lean into Him even more when I feel insecure or intimidated. I’ve sensed Him calling me to pick up that camera, take it with me, and capture the gifts --- the grace --- He has placed all around me... His every day grace!

So this summer, I’m fighting the fear and insecurity by elevating my gaze towards Him, looking for the evidence of His grace all around me. I’ve made a commitment

• to take the camera everywhere I go...
• to shoot in the P, S, A, and M modes (not in “auto” or “point-and-shoot”)...
• to aim for the best straight-out-of-the-camera shot I can make (but have a little Photoshop fun too)...
• and to capture the images that remind me of His every day grace.

His grace is everywhere, every day, and it covers our fears and failures when we are in Christ. I do not want to walk by unknowingly. I want to stop and take notice... and capture the shot!

So here goes... everyday grace, everyday photography!

Photo :: "Bee on a Blue Flower" (Munyunyo, Uganda • September 2009)