This summer I’ve challenged myself to take a photo a day. I’m
having fun with the project—learning how to use the various settings on my
camera, studying how to frame my subjects to maximize the photo’s impact,
practicing. One of the rules of photography I have been toying with is the Rule
of Thirds. And though it makes my pictures better, I realize the rule of thirds
isn’t strictly limited to photographic art.
Our lives can be divided them into thirds, too.
For most of us, the first third of our life is spent in
education. We learn to walk and talk, read and write, train for careers, experiment
with hobbies. These years are the foundation we build our lives on, and we look
to the future with eager anticipation. If we build well, with God’s grace we set
ourselves on a positive course. If we build poorly, our lives can become a
difficult tangle of misstep and pain.
Once we’ve set our course, the days of our lives quickly fill
with family, work, duty and responsibility. We build on the foundations erected
during our learning years. Our lives are crammed to overflowing as we try our
best to satisfy all the demands thrown our way. We focus heavily on the present.
Things never run as smoothly or as straight as we’d like, but, if we had time
to stop and think, we’d conclude our lives are indeed full and fulfilling.
Our nests are empty, our careers are winding down. Or our new
careers—based on the wisdom and experience we’ve gleaned in the first
two-thirds of our lives—are just beginning.
That’s where I am right now. Looking back at the first two
thirds, searching to solidify the things God has taught me and to apply them in
new ways.
Sometimes I’m eager for new adventure,
sometimes I’m nostalgic for the past,
often I feel off balance.
But as I reflect on the rule of thirds, and focus on what
matters most to me, I see my life is still beautiful.
And thank's to God's unfailing grace, there is still
room to grow.
How about you?
Are you busy surviving the day? Looking forward? Or looking
back?
What are the lessons God is teaching you here & now?
Jayne E. Self
is a
mystery writer and amateur photographer.
You can visit her at
I'm in the last third right now.Like you, I struggle with mixed feelings. It's great not to have the pressure of those middle years, but I often feel nostalgic for the joy and satisfaction of them too.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the last third right now.Like you, I struggle with mixed feelings. It's great not to have the pressure of those middle years, but I often feel nostalgic for the joy and satisfaction of them too.
ReplyDeleteI too am in that last third. I think I bring more depth to my writing than I ever did before. Also there is less pressure for deadlines since my livelihood does not depend on acceptance of my submissions. Sometimes it is depressing to realize that some of my lifelong dreams will never come true, but God has blessed me with other things I never dreamed of. I often find I am focusing more on helping others realize their dreams, using the skills God has given me over the years. (Love your photos, Jayne!)
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