The Spiritual Practice of Nature Photography

For TatieGo to where the wild things are,Or welcome them to youPlant a garden:Milkweed for monarchs,Sages and zinnias,Sunflowers and moonflowers forBees and hummingbirds,Holly and blackberriesFor the mockingbirds and waxwings;Watch it grow.Hang bird feeders,Seeds and suets and hummingbird syrup,More than you think you need.Place them by the windows you passMost often in your days.Raise the blinds;Part the curtains.Practice statio in your pausesTo gaze in expectant surrender,In hopeful receptivity,Asking to see His glory,Ready to see His goodness,Waiting for whatever good thingProvidence will send,Contemplating the CreatorThrough creation’s lens.Sometimes I ask for a hummingbirdAnd He sends a hummingbird mothLike a wink and a smile—Watch this!Sometimes no photos comeBut the songs of bird chorusSurround my soul with music,An orchestra tuning its praise.This too is beauty.Sometimes a little lambWho lost her momAsks for a monarchAnd a photographFor the Christmas calendarFor the month her mother died.And He sends one,When she can see itAnd drop everything to claimWith open handsThe gift He sent.Keep the camera chargedAnd ready.Embrace beautiful interruptionsTo your plans.Prepare your heart to say yes to grace.In wordless prayer of a soulWith windows open to Jerusalem,Wait and watch in hopeFor the loveliness alwaysWinging its way to you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crumbsfromhistable.substack.com