Through the lens, life slows to just this moment, just these pixels of creation. Each click of the shutter is like breathing, "Amen." (Cindee Snider Re)
CREATIVITY HAS A RHYTHM ALL ITS OWN
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1)
For almost two decades, photography has been where I’ve met with God in grief, loss, illness, and trauma. It has taught me to notice and observe, to see the world differently, to be present, and to be still. When I couldn't breathe, photography gave me a purpose, a reason to step outside, where I would sit for long stretches watching the swallows dive and swoop, the little green bees gathering pollen, or a dandelion seed held by the thinnest filament as if hanging in mid-air.
Immersed in creation, I can lay down the grief, pain, or trauma for a while. Gratitude falls easily from my lips. How could it not?—for God is with me on this gently sloping hill on this quiet little acre. His imprint is visible everywhere, even in the breaking, the incomplete, the loss, and the dying.
LIFE SLOWS THROUGH THE LENS
Life slows through the lens. There is just this breath and these pixels of creation. Yet it took me years to understand that this, too, is prayer.
It begins as I lift my camera. The weight feels good in my hands—substantial, grounding. I am going to meet with God. He knew it long before I did. He captivates me with little things and striking light. Those minutes slow me, fill me, and change me. Regardless of what I left inside, the beauty beyond the door is exquisite, each click of the shutter is like breathing, "Amen."
God, You are good—all the time. Amen. I am so grateful to be Yours. Amen. I don’t know how to hold this living grief. Amen. Lord, I cannot breathe. Amen. Thank You for this extraordinary beauty. Amen. Oh, how I love You, Lord. Amen.
THE THEATRE OF GOD’S GLORY
There could be no greater delight than seeing God everywhere and in everything, to be called close, drawn deeper, and nourished with wonder. John Calvin called creation the “theatre of God’s glory.” How fitting, for I’m here to see Jesus, witness the eternal rhythm of creation, and feel the tender tug of creativity woven into my DNA!
Sometimes, a moment touches something deep inside, and instead of clicking the shutter, I am immersed in wonder, wholly present with God in a moment the camera cannot capture. This, too, is photography: knowing when to capture and when to worship.
PRAYER
Lord, what a gift to experience that tender tug of creativity, that gentle pull to meet with You in the theatre of Your glory! What joy to stand in awe, transfixed by the beauty of Your creation! Thank You for these precious moments of peace. How I love You, Lord! Amen.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
- How is God calling you to meet with Him today?
- What would it look like to pick up your camera and just play?
- What moment, emotion, or subject have you always wanted to capture?
INVITATION
Discover the Joy of Photography with one of our FREE printables, which includes tips, challenges, and prayers.
Cindee Snider Re
Author, Designer, and Co-Founder of Chronic Joy®
Cindee is married to the man she loves most in this world, mama to five adult kids, four of whom are married, and Lolli to three adorable grandchildren. Cindee and her five kids have Ehlers-Danlos, intractable migraines, and myriad co-existing conditions. While a life steeped in illness is not what she would have chosen, through it, she’s learning that the deeper the valley, the greater her capacity for joy.
Cindee is the author of Discovering Hope, Finding Purpose, Embracing Worth, and I Take You in Sickness and in Health.
Photography as Prayer & Self-Care
Photography is a creative tool for connecting more deeply with God and caring better for ourselves. Creativity with illness and pain can feel almost impossible. Photography is a gentle art, inviting us to rediscover wonder and grow in humility.
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