Archives for February 2013

I’m doing it! I’m developing an eye for taking better photos!

How can I tell? Certain hallmark signs are there. Lately, I’m spotting good light or noticing great vantage points. I’m focusing on color but noticing backgrounds and striving for centered shots. I’m giving attention to detail. (Notice the morning light and winter trees behind the icicles in the shot I took above? I didn’t even realize how cool that would look until after I took the picture. I was concentratig mainly on the icicles.)

Developing an eye doesn’t happen by accident—in photography or other endeavors. I’ve invested time in taking lots of shots. In other words, I’ve endured the dross before the gold. And to be honest, I end up with a lot more dross than gold.

At the same time, though, I’ve benefited in several ways from taking time out for wonder while taking a host of photos. Not only am I becoming more adept at capturing better pictures, but I’ve been energized by my new pursuit and have also grown more appreciative of the beautiful world God’s given us.

The concept of developing an eye certainly carries over into other areas of our lives as well.Consider the spiritual realm. Do we notice spiritual applications to things that we see or experience in our everyday lives? (Writing blog posts has helped me develop an awareness for this.) Do we spot God at work in people or situations or can we see him in the background? Do we notice when people are hurting or in need but also pick up on their joys?

If we don’t feel like we’re actively developing a spiritual eye, we can take steps to do it. Remember, developing an eye doesn’t happen by accident.

We need to invest time—time in learning to think in spiritual ways. We do this as we read, study, and meditate on God’s Word and as we talk with him. Talking with others about spiritual truths will also spur us on in our growth. And when we notice hurts or joys of others and interrupt our lives to share in what they’re going through, we’ll continue to develop that eye for spiritual things.

So what do you say? Let’s be people who continue to develop and grow in our lives, whether it be in our walk with the Lord or the pursuit of our interests and skills. Let’s continue to develop an eye!

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,” 1 Peter 2:2

*For what interest or skill are you developing an eye?

*The new issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out Feb. 1st. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign up is free and to the right!