Sunday, March 30, 2014

A delicate balance

DSC_0619 

A sweet friend gave me this beautiful bulb garden just as "Balance" week began at Photo 52.  I had started looking for balance as I was out and about--for something that showed a scale that could tip this way or that, or for a balance beam of sorts.

DSC_0562

Photo 52, Week 11:  Balance

DSC_0581

Then, as the flowers began to open, I found myself with camera in hand, balancing on my elbows as a tripod, and holding very still to capture the fine lines in focus.  That was when I realized "Balance" had found me.

DSC_0580

It isn't the first time balance has found me.  It's something I crave and constantly seek, but most of the time it meets me in the form of grace, often unexpectedly.

DSC_0708

Lee and I have both said since the time we started dating that we are, to some extent,  "recovering legalists".  There had to be transformations of grace in each of us in order for us to accept our relationship for the gift that it was. At a turning point in our relationship Lee revisited a conversation we had had months earlier.

Lee:  Remember when you told me you thought I was about to receive grace?
Me:  No.  I told you I thought you were about to have an ENCOUNTER with grace.  Whether you receive it or not is entirely up to you.

DSC_0673

And that is when a lightbulb went on for both of us.  Grace is an invitation that has to be accepted if it's to do us any good.

DSC_0674

So what on earth does that have to do with balance?

DSC_0591

I have noticed a pattern in my thinking that shows up frequently in my writing.  I am constantly reacting to extremes.  There is something of legalism that still appeals to me.  Living by the rules, doing the right thing, crossing Ts, dotting Is, checking off boxes. Success within my grasp.

DSC_0267

I'm not quite sure what to call the other extreme--maybe the path of least resistance--but it appeals to me too.  Whatever works, it's all good, acceptance at any cost.  Because I am lazy, and also a peacemaker.  I want people to like me.

DSC_0263

Some might think grace is the flip side to legalism, but in my life, grace is the high ground in the middle.

DSC_0287

Living in grace is more complicated than living under the law.  I have written about that in the realm of parenting.  Sometimes it's maddening.  You want things to be black and white, but there is all this gray.  Each situation presents you with choices, and instead of absentmindedly applying a rule, you also have to think through the implications for this moment.

DSC_0284

Living in grace is also more complicated than the path of least resistance.  Even though we are no longer bound the the law, we are bound by love--love for Jesus, and love for people whom he treasures.  His love is unconditional, but it is also transformational--he loves us the way we are, but loves us too much to leave us that way.  Our love for people, for the world we live in, should also be both unconditional and transformational.

DSC_0595

Photo 52, Week 12:  Details

Every time I pull up a seat at the keyboard, it seems I am pulling myself back up to that place in the middle, praying I don't give way to legalism or laziness.  Where I am prone to legalism, praying my life would reflect freedom.  Where I am prone to laziness, praying my life would reflect willingness to follow the Savior who freely poured out his life.

DSC_0555

Most of all?  May I not over think it.  May I simply live the kind of love that makes everything else fall to the wayside.  The kind of love that makes things bloom even when all evidence suggests it is still winter.

DSC_0002

Friday, March 21, 2014

Happy Spring! (Waterlogue edition)

Painted in Waterlogue

Photo 52, Week 13:  Photographer's Prerogative

Spring is making a valiant effort here on the tundra.
Mind you, we awoke to freezing fog on the first day,
but it was beautiful.
And then, the melting began.

Painted in Waterlogue

Today there is all kinds of grass exposed where merely a day ago all was white.

Painted in Waterlogue

So spring gets a nod from me.

Painted in Waterlogue

Meanwhile, a couple of weeks ago a friend brought me 
this beautiful bulb garden.
I have promised myself to have one every year.
The beauty is therapy.

Painted in Waterlogue

And then Deanna posted about Waterlogue.
Since I finally entered the smart phone era, I went and bought it.
Love how it takes my photos and turns them into these little works of art.

IMG_0990

I took my first photography class since three years ago.
About time, I know.  
Sadly, I did not learn everything I need to know about lighting.
But I had fun, and got reacquainted with an old friend from college.
The last night of class we went downtown to shoot the sunset.
Loved this vantage point.  I will post real pictures someday.  Maybe.

Painted in Waterlogue

I hope spring is beautiful in your corner of the world!

Painted in Waterlogue

Painted in Waterlogue

Saturday, March 15, 2014

On the fly

DSC_0159

Oh my.  How did winter get so busy?

DSC_0790

I have snatched a little time to take pictures, but not time for blogging.
If I have to choose between the two, it's a no brainer.

DSC_0081

I did get out to the arboretum in search of

DSC_0047

Photo 52, Week 10:  Curvy

DSC_0050

So that was good.

DSC_0110

There was even this curvy bridge inside where they had a 
warm and sunny fairy garden exhibit.
Garden.  What a wonderful concept.

There is more to share.
Right now, though, I am striving for balance.
That is this week's theme, after all.
I'll be back when I've achieved it.
Stay tuned.