Are you a bull moose?

Many years ago I started a workshop company called the Great American Photography Weekends. It was the culmination of a dream and an answered prayer. I had always wanted to go across America and shoot in our wonderful national parks. So for twelve years I was in every major national park at least once each year, and some twice! Today I’m a photo generalist, which means I will make images of anything that strikes my fancy. In the workshop years I was a nature landscape guy. I never was much of a wildlife shooter but I did get to work side by side with some of the greatest ones; John Shaw, Art Wolfe, Len and Lenny Rue, Jim Brandenburg, Rod Planck, Moose Peterson, and the late Bill Siliker. Siliker was a world class expert on the moose. He once told me that God had never created a more stuborn or short sighted animal. Obviously he didn’t know me that well!

I most imagine that if you could ask the Lord what has been the most frustrating part of dealing with me He would probably say, “he’s stoborn and short sighted.” I plead guilty. It would be best for all of us if we would not put our mouth in gear until our mind is warmed up. I’m afraid I’ve had a lot of regret from not keeping that rule in mind. I’m usually pretty sure I’m right, unfortunately I’m not right as often as I’m sure that I am.

There is an easy way to avoid a lot of embarrassing situations. Some time back I wore a wrist band that had the initials WWJD, (What would Jesus do?) That is a great filter to run our proposed actions and words through before going into action. People are not all that interested in our profession of our dedication to our faith. What they will pay attention to is what we do and how we act. Our actions speak much louder than our words.

Why does this matter? If you really do love the Lord and want to show Him how much His sacrifice means to you, it is imparative that you live out your profession of faith. People are watching and they will judge all Christians by what they see us do. Representing our covenent with Him is critical.

It’s not an easy thing to do, but then dying on the cross was a lot harder.

the pilgrim

*Photo note: The image of the moose sculpture was made at one of my favorite Louisville restaurants, Lynn’s Paradise Cafe. I was first introduced to it by Carol Fisher at another Derby several years ago. The food is exceptional and the photo opps outstanding. D700 – 70-300 AFS VR.