The Remarkable Advantage of Moving into the Light

In the hot afternoon of summer heat, it’s not unusual to find wildlife resting in the shade of trees and in the dark cool undergrowth of bushes. I have learned that if I attempt to photograph them during this time of day, I will struggle with the play of shadows and low light.

This was one such day.

This white-faced ibis seemed content to wade in the cool water just inside the edge of the shadows. I laid on my stomach and settled in to wait. I had caught glimpses of the iridescence that shines when the sun catches the feathers on an ibis, and I was hoping I could capture the beauty of this one. 

I waited and waited… and kept waiting.

I have often found myself quietly whispering to an animal as I ask for him to move into the light, or to look my way, or to shift a bit to the side. I breathe deeply and relax and try to project calm and the promise of no harm.

I am lucky enough to have companions with me on my photographic journeys that will wait patiently and quietly for me to bring to life the shot that I have created in my head. They know enough about photography and light and will notice what is outside the reach of my viewfinder and will let me know when the shot might change. Many times, though I hold the camera, the end result is as much because of them as it is because of me.

After a long time, this ibis began to move out of the shadows and into the edge of light…and I was ready. As he began to preen, the light caught the magnificence of his feathers, and they shined!

Sometimes in life, we might find ourselves content to live just inside the edge of Light. Perhaps the harsh bright glare of daylight reminds us of pains and hurts we would rather forget. We withdraw to a quiet corner of our life and forget the magnificence that is ours as a child of God.

But Jesus is waiting.

Patiently and lovingly waiting and watching.

If we listen carefully, we will hear Him speak to our heart and feel of His peace and promise to never leave us comfortless.

He will give us the courage to walk into the Light.

And then Oh! How we will shine!