Carol McClain

Love Life: Live in the Moment

By: Carol McClain @carol_mcclain

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof” (Matt. 6:34).

I love photography. Although not a gifted photographer, I love practicing the craft. Recently, two points have been hammered home to create art rather than a snapshot.

The two key points critical to a good image are:

1. Look at your world–see it–all of it
2. Be in the moment

 

 

Look at the world. I’ve written before how my hiking friends have taught me the beauty of the little things. I’ve always gravitated to the grand–but have you ever smelled a hillside of spring beauties or examined hepatica? If you haven’t, you’ve lost one of God’s glories.

Not long ago, Neil and I hiked a trail where elk congregated. Usually, we had to walk to a field. Instead of looking around, I
studied my feet to prevent tripping. Then, at Neil’s call, I looked up. This young fellow approached. Had we not moved, I believe he would’ve come right up to us and sniffed us.

Be ready. Be in the moment.

If the light is stunning, it will change in a moment. In life, as in photography, don’t wait to nab the beauty.

This winter we had an ethereal snowfall. To top off everything, the light added a majesty not seen for long. I managed to grab this photo.

 

How often do we miss truly important events in our life because we’re too focused on a goal?

Do we absorb ourselves in pleasures? I, for one, lose too much time playing games on my phone when I can be out, frolickings with my newborn goats. They grow faster than children. If I don’t seize the moment, I lose it.

Am I going to lose this moment to “smell the daffodils?”

In my latest book Borrowed Lives, Meredith Jaynes chooses the moment. She finds three girls abandoned by their parents. If Social Services takes them, they’ll be separated. If she takes them in, they can stay together even if she knows she’s too broken to heal them. (Read more on my book page.)

Living in the moment can heal us. We can rejoice in God’s glory and gain a world of riches even if we’re poor.

Seize your day and grab the moment. (and don’t miss a moment. Sign up for my newsletter and blog–never miss a post).