“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.” ~ Ansel Adams
Focus. That’s this week’s word for the weekly photo challenge.
And I am anything but focused. Distractions abound. They flit in and out of my sight like the fireflies flickering in my yard once darkness descends. Now you see them, now you don’t. Sparkle. Look there. No… twinkle….look there.
So many things require my attention, yet I can’t stay focused because it’s hard to juggle all the balls when you’re not centered. When you can’t concentrate because there are just too many balls and you’re the one who’s out of sync. You’re the one who can’t zone in on the task at hand. The uncertainties, the what-ifs, threaten to take over and you have to come to grips. You must focus.
As an amateur and hobbyist photographer, I know how vital focus is. When you ‘see’ a photo-worthy shot, you must decide where the focus will be. Is it on the ray of sunshine coming through the window or the tiny dust motes you can only see glinting in the sunlight? Do you focus on the rose, the bud, the leaf, or the thorn?
And will your camera capture what you see? Can you narrow the focus to show what made the picture worth taking in the first place?
There’s a parallel between photography and life. Both thrive on focus.
When my focus is shattered into a thousand directions, I feel so out of control. And I have to rein in that panicked, blurred sense of chaos to concentrate on the truth that I know. I am not in control, God is. And He is far more capable of handling everything than I am.
I have a request for those of you who are prayer warriors. I ask that you pray for my daughter as she has surgery today. It’s nothing life-threatening, but she’s been experiencing pain that has kept her focused on her infirmity….and her mama focused on worrying about her.
When my vision is blurred by worry and fear, I must keep my eyes on and my heart tuned to my Savior and centered on my faith. And that is true focus.
“When trouble comes, focus on God’s ability to care for you.” ~ Charles Stanley
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Mama's Empty Nest 
although i am coming to the prayer request late—very late— know that this week you and your family are in my prayers.
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We appreciate your prayers so very much! Actually, my daughter had hip surgery back in August and is still experiencing pain which will require an MRI soon. So actually your prayers aren’t late at all…they’re right on time. Just like our God. 🙂
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Hope the surgery went well. I loved this post because I feel that same emotion many times, the anxiety that comes from a lack of focus, and the needless worrying that saps your joy. I want to focus on God’s strength and not my weakness.
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Thanks, CE. It did go well. I need to write a post letting everyone know. Right now, I’m at my daughter’s home helping her out and I’m wide awake in the middle of the night with that old anxiety. I’m with you making a concerted effort to focus on God’s strength.
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Your daughter, you and your family will be in my thoughts this weekend.
“Faith is not without worry or care, but faith is fear that has said a prayer.” ~Author Unknown
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My family appreciates your prayers so very much, Georgette. Thank you!! Love that quote!
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Cindy, I will pray for your daughter. I know all too well what you are going through as the onlooker. And I’ve been in her shoes as well. It’s not easy, for anyone in the family, when a loved one needs surgery. Trust in your faith, and know that she is in good hands, and try as hard as you can to focus on that first hug once she is recovered.
Back to your post, this line is so true, “And will your camera capture what you see?” What a universal question. I wonder that all the time. I have enjoyed so many of your photos; you are quite the accomplished capturer! 🙂
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Melissa, thanks so much for your kind words of encouragement and prayers for my daughter. You know how we mamas just wish we could fix everything for our children…well, that doesn’t change even when they’re all grown up and adults quite capable of taking care of themselves. But this mama will be doing some care-taking for a few days.
Oh, and I didn’t want to forget to thank you for the lovely compliment on my photography. I have a lot to learn, but I enjoy it so very much. So it encourages me tremendously when readers like my shots. 🙂
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Sending special thoughts to you today (is there any worry more intense than a Mom’s???) and prayers for your daughter as she has her surgery!
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We appreciate your prayers, Dianna. Yes, that Mom worry is so very intense! :-O
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