Holy Indeed

309 St. Barnabas on the Desert, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/80, ISO 800, 11-15-09

Have you ever been asked to do something that is a bit awkward and you know it will be accepted by some, but not by all? Today was that day for me...I was asked to photograph our church service with specific instructions to, "Just capture people and what ever you think would be interesting". In the past, I've had the honor to take pictures within our house of worship and to be honest, it's not easy.

Most of the pictures that were taken admittedly were spotty on the 'perfect' capture. A lot of blur or just missed moments because of hesitation to draw the camera up and shoot fast. Also, the lighting is absolutely minimal for a no flash situation and you never want to be obvious with the camera and tripod. So I decided that today would be different...I came prepared...Monopod (Single pole for easy maneuvering) and a tripod. Extra batteries for the camera and a determination to finally be at ease and confident with my being present and shooting the entire service from beginning to end.

During communion, however, someone sputtered the words I knew some were thinking, "That is not appropriate to take pictures now"...Saddened by my apparent personal failure to be inconspicuous, I quickly took a couple of more shots and then without hesitation, I reacted exactly as a 7 year old would. Especially, when they feel guilty...I spat back, "I was asked to do this by Father Clark". Hmmmph, I thought, that'll show him. Slightly miffed and obviously internally agitated, I picked up me, myself and I, as well as my camera and tripod and marched to the front of the church and in front of EVERYONE I snapped off at least 15 more pictures. :) Obviously, I have much to learn with being a humble and quiet, turn the other cheek, servant of My Lord.

And look at this blog? Instead of discussing all the positives in this day, which there were many, I have chosen to highlight the one negative for the entire day? My bad!!! Honestly, this was a holy day filled with holy messages. I love St. Baranabas on the Desert, the faithful Priests and the always amazing, incredibly adored, Bishop Thorton, the congregation that I call family and especially, I love God. I know He would be well pleased with photographing (during the service) all of the above as that and they are truly, holy indeed.