I find that in landscape photography, there are fixed objects and lines that give permanence and stability to a photograph. Leading lines are commonly sought. There are also changing elements, like water and sky. It’s fun to play with these elements in picturing a story.

This photograph uses the shoreline and mountain silhouette for stability and the wave, sky, and person walking on the shore in the lower right for movement and human interest. I also like the cloud spots in the upper left. My imagination sees a connection between the splashing wave and the random cloud pattern.

I remember learning to color as a kid. I was taught to stay within the lines and make harmonious, full strokes with the crayons. We were rewarded with the best of show being posted on the door of the fridge signed by the artist. Paintings by the numbers followed with the same instructions and rewards.

This illustrates the nature of my conservative, Republican-voting, lily-white, Southern family that had to have shoes shined, baths taken, and everything in place before Friday sunset to “guard the edges of the Sabbath.” This training served me well to succeed in the academic world and successfully negotiate the waves of wildness that tempt our ways.

In my older, more mature years, I’m sensing a drive from another side of my brain. I’ve felt handicapped emotionally and an artistic urge that had been shackled by having to focus on staying within the lines and being a “good boy.”  I don’t mean to disparage the importance of focus, control, and rules, but I suggest that developing both sides of the brain might be a better balance.

Now, I’m seeing the beauty of holiness and the wholeness of beauty better. It’s okay and healthy for big, old boys to cry. It’s good to feel the spectrum of emotions and enjoy the ride that God provides. I now see AND feel the words and stories of Jesus AND experience God’s love that guided Jesus to live AND die to save. I used to try to tell stories with words. Now, I’m seeing and feeling stories in pictures. It’s a combination of lyrics and a tune. It’s a head and heart thing. It’s okay to color outside the lines if it serves a higher purpose.

How about you? Where are you in your journey?

—Larry Smith