Embracing the Mystery

Nobody likes to admit they do not know the answer when asked a question. It’s human nature to at least offer an opinion. For example, I don’t know much about the real differences between a Mac and a PC, but I will be happy to tell you which one I prefer. We must - both as a species and culture, have resolution. We love answers.


As Christians we must learn to embrace the unknown if we are to walk by faith. We must be able to look a question in the eye and proclaim; “It’s a mystery ,” we cannot explain why God allows that to occur. I don’t know why that happens, I wish I did, but I don’t.

If we knew all the answers then there would be no need for faith, there would be no need to trust God because the outcome would be apparent. The mystery exists for us, it is a gift we need to understand and accept. It is our chance to show our trust in Him who created us, to show our faith.

There is a trend in Christianity today to rush forward with a rational explanation for everything. Everyone wants proof that the Bible is true. We rush to find the Walls of Jericho, we rejoice when fragments of scripture are found, as if the bible is somehow more true because a 2,000 year old papyrus reed says it is. We consider it amazing that these scraps say the same thing as our modern bibles. This seems like just another attempt to prove we are rational people, believing in something we can prove true because modern science backs it up.

Instead of trying to prove to ourselves that what we believe is scientifically valid, perhaps we should learn to exhibit the same qualities the saints before us did:

…Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.   Hebrews 11:1 & 2

They walked by faith, not ashamed to tell people that the Lord was in command. Willing to accept that they did not have all the answers. Willing to say the scriptures did not need to be validated, they are not of this world and the world will never accept them:

...All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.   Hebrews 11:13-16

Let’s learn to embrace the mystery. Be willing to share that we don't always have the answers, that sometimes we must walk by faith, for that is what pleases God. Our faith is a gift, both from the Lord to us and from us to the Lord. When He grants us chances to use our faith, let us not try to prove away the things He has chosen to keep unknown. Let us embrace and be thankful for them, faithful that the Creator of Heaven and Earth knows which things are best kept secret.

From Good To Great

This week I was lucky enough to be able to hear a gifted photographer Brian Rueb  (brianruebphotography.com) speak about his most recent adventure. It was an excellent presentation and very instructive. Even earlier this year I attended an outing with the local photo club led by another amazing photographer, Frank Kratofil (frankkratofilphoto.com) involving HDR techniques for landscape photography.

I learned something from both of these artists, but the most important lesson I came away with did not involve any specific technique. These days we all have access to the same information and the same equipment, the secret methods and unknown tricks are long gone. All it takes is a little research and the willingness to try something new to stay current with the newest trends.

The part of the lesson that was most enlightening was the effort these guys put forth. Frank can be found in the field an hour before daylight in the middle of winter on a regular basis. If you’ve never been to the Klamath Basin in the January it is difficult to understand the level of commitment required.

Brian spent the better part of an evening spinning tales of his 70-day walk around Iceland. No car, no reservations, no support of any kind. Just a backpack and a camera. Now I love photography and travel as much as the next person, but an entire summer spent living in a tiny tent with no method of transportation other than my feet would be enough to stop most people I know, including myself.

My point is that these guys could make great shots with any camera. Sure they are better with great equipment, but they are both living examples that you still have to be in the right place at the right time to make magic. And that takes dedication and hard work.

I’m sure we all knew that, but it was nice to listen to tales of these guys working so hard to get the shots and understand that it doesn’t come easy for anyone. The good shooters put forth the effort on a consistent basis to get results. Even in this digital age you still can't replace hard work.

Last Shoot of the Year

Northern California had our first snow of the year on December 30th, so a friend and I headed out to the mountains to take a few pictures and enjoy an afternoon away from the computer. Although I have stayed busy entering contests and developing images I hadn't been out to shoot anything new for weeks.

We headed up to Mt. Shasta, CA and tried to get to the upper falls on the McCloud River but the roads were impassable and there was no way we were going to get stuck in the forest in late December. Night time temperatures run in the single digits this time of year, so we ended up at Castle Crags State Park and the Railroad Park in Castella, CA.

The trains are there rain or shine and always look fantastic, if you are looking for somewhere to go when traveling down I-5 the Railroad Park is always waiting, it is a fun location for an hour or two shoot in any weather. Castle Crags are in the same area and well worth the trip for any photographer. There is a wonderful trail which connects to the Pacific Crest Trail about 2 miles past the park entrance. After a torturous initial climb you can stop at Popcorn Springs and soak your feet while marveling at the magnificent creation all around you.

So that's it for 2010, thanks for reading and for sharing the world through my Nikon. See you next year!