No Distractions

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

I try to walk my little boy and dog, Utley, every day at the dog’s request. He likes to smell every yard and post that’s accessible. It takes a long time to get around the blocks but that gives me plenty of time to admire the unique landscaping and pretty flowers. When I just focus on God’s creation, my day seems more peaceful. Heidi Gaul, (Mornings with Jesus) agrees and she has her own story to tell.

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Picture-taking is a passion my husband and I share, especially macro and close-up shots. Macro photography is taking a picture of something small and showing it as larger than it truly is.

As we walk through our garden with cameras in hand, we focus on specific blooms. In one image, a red rose’s delicate petals fill the frame edge to edge, its intricate beauty visibly enhanced. In another, a bee nestles into a different blossom’s pollen. Its legs coated yellow; its important task is now magnified in our hearts.

The main reason I love this form of photography is that it makes a solitary item the point of interest. No distractions like cars driving by, the accumulation of mud on the side of the shed, or any other sights that can confuse or clutter the background. The finished photo is a lone, calming flower. Nothing else dilutes the image.

Sometimes life seems like a bewildering jumble of distractions, be it bills, illness, or even an unkind word directed toward me. My thoughts stray away from my focus—Jesus and His beautiful, multifaceted creation. At times, it is easy for negativity to envelop me with anger, depression, or jealousy.

But Jesus is like the calming lone flower. With Him as my solitary point of interest, there are no distractions. I read Isaiah 26:3 and know Jesus will provide me peace as I keep my focus on Him. Picturing Him, alone, His perfect peace is magnified.

For the Beauty of the Earth

Heavenly Father, Creator of this universe, thank You for all Your blessings. Help us to keep our focus on You and to unclutter our field of vision.  AMEN.

Photo Mo Haner

Mo Haner