Suiting Up
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 3.5 aperture, 1/60 shutter speed, 160 ISO
This post is for anyone who is finding themselves on a difficult journey. Some days you may feel like you won’t survive it, or that you just want to quit because you are so tired.
You can do it.
This being the last week of a 365 project, I am feeling like I just may make it now. There has been a lot of crying, some anger, deep frustration, and much fatigue as I have bumped into the edge of myself again and again. There are has also been joy, a sense of accomplishment, a new awareness of what I can do, new friendships and relationships made, and higher levels of learning and vision for my craft.
I am grateful for this project, mostly because I have learned that I can finish something difficult. I will, however, give props where they are due. I am quite sure I could not have gotten past the first week without the encouragement and support of my family and the relationships I have developed through this blog. I cannot count how many times I have gotten an encouraging email or comment from someone at just the right time saying, ” Keep going, you can do this!” Encouragement is a powerful force. And so, I want to thank every single person who has ever commented, on or off my blog to me and encouraged me to keep going. What seemed like a silly project became a powerful lesson in perseverance and digging deeper within myself to stay on course. Thank you, all of you, for being part of that.
You do not have to be doing a 365 project to be in the middle of a difficult journey, however. Truthfully, the places in which many of you are walking may be much more exasperating than a blog project. However, the lessons I have learned during this short (and also very long) year apply to many circumstances. I would like to share a few.
Eye on the Prize
- First of all, place whatever it is in God’s hands. He alone holds all things, and He will be your help and your strength. Pray and ask Him for his help. In His kindness towards me He has shown me beauty in unexpected places over and over again, when I had absolutely nothing. He cares about the details of your life too. Every single one of them.
- Take it one step at a time. You do not have to finish the entire goal on today’s provision. He will give you what you need for each step of the way. I cannot count the times I found fresh manna and new mercies every day.
- Keep walking. Do not quit. Pray, and keep walking. Put one foot in front of the other.
- Receive the encouragement of others. I strongly encourage community and letting others help you. We were not meant to walk this life alone. You might have to reach out to find friendships. Don’t let pride keep you from finding relationship and community.
- Pile up rocks. This is what the people of God did when they wanted to remember the things God had done for them. They would pile up stones in a place where He moved on their behalf, so they could come back to that place and tell their children about the his mighty wonders. We do not have to do this literally, but finding ways to remember and be grateful is good for our hearts and encourages us that God is with us. Sometimes my images can be like this for me. I can go back and say, “I remember when God showed me that when I was at the end of myself.”
- Finally, keep your eye on the prize. Don’t forget your goal and where you are headed. You will go where you set your gaze. Keep your eyes fixed on your goal. I love this song by Sara Groves. It will encourage you if you can take the time to listen to it.
And now, to the finish line! 🙂
Where Intention Meets Action
Finding New Levels
Finish Line Ahead
James 1:2-5 ~”Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
19 Comments
Woohoo, for you are almost done! But really I will miss this blog. You truely have an awesome gift that glorifies our Lord. I would like to thank you on the behalf of the Jimenez Family you have truely blessed us with capturing amazing and charished moments we will keep for a lifetime. Thankful for all you do Mary Anne. And thankyou for this post. Hope You feel well soon.
Thank you, Jason. Your family has been a blessing to me. I am grateful I could give back. Thanks also for your support on this project. You have been an encouragement to me.:)
~ Mary Anne
I have been so blessed by reading your blog. It’s allowed me to pause and reflect on what your sharing and see the heart of God in a new way, Seeing your beautiful pictures and reflecting on your writings has encouraged me on my journey. Will you continue to blog, even if not daily?
Thank you, Debbie. I do not plan to ever stop blogging. Just not everyday.:) Who knows what is in store? Thank you for stopping by here. I pray you are feeling well and will be onto a great year this coming year.:)
I’ve loved waking up to your pictures and thoughts – I’m currently reading 1000 Gifts and, as I make my own list of things to be thankful for, this is one of them 🙂 Thanks for sticking with it!
Lori,
That single book has affected my life more than any other book, aside from the Bible. Soak it in. Ann is so wonderful. Thank you for your support on my little blog.:) Love to you!
Thankfully I found your blog, because I have enjoyed it each day since. Unfortunately I didn’t find it until about a month and a half ago. I will miss seeing your daily posts. I enjoy your photos tremendously (even more since my daughter is making photography her career) and I love the way you use it to express your faith and passions. Now I just have to meet you face to face at church! I do hope you’ll keep posting sometimes; I am blessed when I get to visit and see what you have done that day!
You have no idea how much I needed to read this, this morning. Or even how many times your blog has spoken to my heart this past year. I was telling my hubby last night how sad I am going to be when your project is over. It has spoken to me so many times over the past year. Your images are beautiful and your heart has been even more so. Thank you for sharing with us each day over this past year.
Thank you for sharing “you” which is a rare gift. If you should embark on another journey, I would again, like to come along! May God always lead you.
Carol
Thank you Carol. You are also a gift to me. I plan to embark on many journeys, and I hope you will come along!:)
Congratulations on finishing! I read this post ten minutes after I finished my own marathon, and it was like a message of congratulations and fellowship to me from the universe. So perhaps you could add that to your list – that you run these marathons for yourself, but you never know who you will inspire and encourage along the way. It is so wonderful when others send encouraging comments, but it’s also wonderful when people run their run authentically, with spirit, and that’s like a comment to the wider world too.
Sarah,
Yay!!! I cannot wait to read your novel. Please do not rewrite it too many times. The world needs to see it someday. ( especially me). You are an amazing writer. You write what I feel but didn’t know it until i read your words.
Love to you.
I, too, along with your many fans, will miss this daily blog. You have encouraged me and taught me many things. I am so proud of you. All of my children are talented in different ways. You are definitely a gifted writer. It amazes me because it is NOT my talent. Your photos are simply incredible. I am always inspired by what you have to say and what you focus on with that camera. A job well done!
I love you, Mama.
You are a gift to me.
To so many.
Thank you for all the ways you have blessed and encouraged and mentored me.
I pray that one day I can thank you, face to face.
Ann,
It is I who should be thanking you. You are an amazing and gifted writer and photographer. Someday when you reach the gates of eternity, you will know the wonderful influence and effect you have had for the Kingdom. Until then, just know you have blessed this little photographer so richly. Thank you, sweet Ann.
I’ve only recently discovered your blog, but I have so loved your beautiful images and encouraging words. Thank you for sharing your heart with us all!
What a blessing this blog has been right from the very start. You have truly been gifted by God and He has used you in a marvelous way. I am so thankful for you and so proud to be a part of your life. Your pictures are always beautiful and meaningful. Thanks for this commitment. It is truly a job well done..
SO encouraging. Thanks Mary