Faith Unfeigned

One of the abilities that Landscape Photographers often claim is a heightened sense of awareness of the world around them. When I started getting serious about landscape photography I found myself driving slower and slower through the countryside where I lived in eastern Idaho. I started learning the change in angle of lighting from summer to winter and the different colors of snow under different winter light.  I noticed that Conant Creek does not receive direct light at sunset in the winter but does in the summer.  I noticed that from Ashton the sun rises directly behind the Tetons in the middle of December. I noticed the best light at sunset in Squirrel was in the fall. I noticed that the moon rises further to the south in the summer and further to the north in the winter.

I paid close attention to the times of planting and harvest for the local farmers. I learned the names of the different crops and when the canola fields are in bloom. I noticed the ebb and flow of grain fields in the wind. I noticed when the elk are moving through the farmland back up into the mountains. I noticed when the Osprey migrate north along the river.

I found that the best light on Mesa Falls is in early December, soon after sunrise. The sun shines directly up the canyon and hits the spray of the falls which creates a beautiful rainbow that echoes the contours of the falls. I noticed that if there is an early freeze the aspen turn red.  I noticed the enjoyment of viewing an aspen grove after a summer rain. The sound of the last of the raindrops falling off the leaves, the fresh smell of the rain, and the feel of the crisp cool breeze against my face, all combining into one splendid moment.

I noticed that clouds in the western horizon make for poor sunsets while clouds in the east are perfect, and that high wispy clouds are the best opportunities for seeing sun dogs. I noticed that a bleak, cloudy day can for one brief moment open up and show you beauty beyond words. I noticed that beauty and surprise go hand in hand. I noticed…

When I arrived in Phoenix I was overwhelmed by the speed of city traffic.  I would find myself mentally exhausted after a half hour drive. My mind was so focused on noticing everything that I could not take it all in.  Everywhere I looked I was bombarded with scenes of man’s corruption. Nothing escapes being marred with the hieroglyphics of drug addiction, vandalism, alcoholism, consumerism, lies, pride, lust, greed, selfishness, and rudeness. I found that in the city you must train your mind to not notice, to not think. In the city, the less you see, the less you perceive, the happier you are. The only way to survive is to learn to not see; to not notice.

The world chooses blindness with its temporary easing of pain while we choose to see clearly which brings temporary despair. Our hope is in the eternal Kingdom of God which is filled with truth, beauty and goodness. If the beauty of God’s creation is the temporal revelation of His glory, how much more glorious will be the revealing of the sons of God for all eternity? This is faith unfeigned.