Photography is about seeing. Some “shoots” are planned carefully: maps, weather apps, and an alarm clock. It’s a great way to take super pictures provided you have patience and technical skills. Heading off to take photos is so satisfying… you never quite know how the day will turn out. Digital cameras means we are taking pics which will be checked quickly. Back in the “old days” of film which needed expensive processing, the wait between taking and seeing the result was anxious because you couldn’t be certain how well the shoot would turn out. Planning helped reduce the variables!
How about this icy, spiky, magical frost photo? Can you imagine the planning that went into getting this? A bit like the morning, almost absolute zero.
I was at a conference, walking from bedroom to breakfast. This astonishing scene was right by the path; so I grabbed a few pictures (lesson- always carry a camera!) and then went in for bacon & eggs and coffee in the warmth.
Planning is valuable. So is observation and opportunism! Just like Caesar, I came, I saw, I photo’d. And I like it, at least as much as some of the hard-won thoroughly planned “masterpieces.”
Life requires some measure of practical planning. My discipleship as a Jesus-follower also needs preparation and planning. Yet there is an open door of opportunity in front of us every day- noticed only if I’m looking properly and therefore seeing. Then when I have seen, I need to act. (The photo didn’t take itself- and the frost melted swiftly!)
Looking at the spread of the early Church, the Christians took Good News wherever they went. Paul planned a missionary journey- and was re-directed to Macedonia because of a vision/dream. (See Acts 16:6-10) Taking that opportunity changed the future!
Planning and spontaneity are not enemies. Both approaches are subject to the guidance of the Sovereign Lord. The letter of “James” describes how we should shape our response:
The Reflectionary 