Shadows

So if you’re wondering how I’m doing, just look to see if I have talked about taking pictures lately or if I posted something online while out and about. If I’m taking pictures, I’m good. My camera has been a window into a much deeper, more reflective world. It encourages me to observe, to consider, and to be more aware of what is really around me.

For me, light and shadow are crucial. Shadows can further highlight whatever light touches, giving you a more textured experience, a more detailed view. Shadows can reveal, in other words. One example is the picture below. On my day off in the beginning of fall, I was taking pictures at Dick’s Creek management area near Turner’s Corner. The light was streaming through the forest early in the morning and the light caught a tree along the bank of the waterfall. The light and shadows worked together to reveal the most beautiful picture of bright, fuzzy-green moss on the tree. It was beautiful. Without the shadow, I would never have noticed how the light would highlight the special hues that were speaking from the bark of the trees that morning. The shadow revealed the light.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord , “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” —Psalms 91:1-2

The shadow of God’s wings reveals His “bigness”, His towering stature above us and all that we go through. To be found under the wing of the Almighty is to have His almighty-ness highlighted for us. I want to dwell in His shelter and rest in His shadow so that every fear and every doubt can see just how majestic He is.

The call today is not to cower at your fears, but to be covered by His might. If we run and hide, may it be in God’s safety where His glory is seen brightest. Never underestimate shadows, as sometimes they are the grandeur of God looming over our struggles.

—Pastor Whit