Out of Focus

     60 Minutes did a story on renowned wildlife photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen. His pictures are breathtaking. He has a unique gift to see and frame a picture not many people have. This was evident during the story when he went on a photo shoot with the interviewer. They were standing side by side with the same camera setup photographing the same scene on an elk crossing a river. The differences between the two photos were obvious. The reporter’s photo was slightly out of focus and didn’t capture the lighting. Mangelsen knew how to perfectly frame the shot and set up the camera to capture the image. His picture placed the viewer in his shoes. I am a very amateur photographer. I enjoy taking pictures but I do not have the eye of Mangelsen.


     In a similar fashion I was talking to someone about guitars. I have always loved guitar music and have a deep appreciation for quality playing. Not just the sound but the craftsmanship behind them. I can see a beautiful guitar but not put into words why it is beautiful. Nor why it produces the beautiful sound. He sees a guitar and he understands the totality of its beauty. He sees the wood used, knows where it comes from and why the quality of the wood not only brings the beauty but a specific sound quality. It was a fascinating conversation that gave me a better appreciation for the guitar.


     When it comes to viewing people I have come to learn none of us are truly experts. We may realize there is beauty there but our untrained eye fails to grasp it, the unique qualities they have been endowed. This is why it is critical to trust the eye of the Maker and appreciate the beauty of others through His eyes. It is in seeing through His lens the people around us become in focus and we gain a better appreciation of their beauty.


“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.” (Song of Solomon 4:7)
​

Pastor Rob