Photography is Cross Training

Photography is Cross Training

For me, photography is Cross training for writing and for my Christian journey. My husband’s a great photographer. He has mastered advanced techniques, so at one point I was tempted to stop taking pictures when we travel together. After a couple of days, I realized when I take pictures I see differently, often gleaning ideas for my writing. And viewing the world through my lens is one way I can be still, listen for His life lessons, and know He is God.

In pursuit of a creative shot, I watch and wait for events to unfold. I often choose different angles, different subjects than my husband––as if asking different questions of my surroundings. Just as my pictures are distinct from those taken by everyone else, my faith is individual. I’m reminded I can pray for another, but I cannot believe for another.

So, for me, photography as Cross training is the exercise of seeing Jesus in nature, applying biblical truths and enriching my writing with biblical themes.

Scripture repeatedly calls us to watch and wait. On a visit to Costa Rica, I watched and waited patiently. Nothing picture-worthy seemed to be happening. Suddenly, I spied a glasswing butterfly land on a flower. I reveled in the beauty of this new-to-me creature and its transparency.

When I reviewed my pictures at the end of the day, the shot of the glasswing butterfly triggered a spiritual reflection or Cross training.

The butterfly is an ancient symbol of our rebirth in Christ. Each phase of the lifecycle of this beautiful butterfly mirrors our life in Him.

The eggs deposited by the mother butterfly are small, round, and opalescent. She uses a natural glue secreted with each egg to make sure it sticks to the vine. The egg needs protection, nourishment and the company of others. Similarly, baby Christians need to cling to the Vine for nurture and protection, and to each other for fellowship.

The next stage is the caterpillar. A fuzzy wormlike creature hatches from the egg. It inches along making slow progress. The caterpillar spends most of its time eating. The leaves the glasswing consumes nourish it but contain a substance toxic to predators. New Christians often ravenously consume the Word… nourished with teaching and music that feeds the soul.

The Word consumed brings conviction and protection. With increased understanding, certain people, places, and things are no longer comfortable… they cause indigestion and the growing Christian leaves them behind. Like the caterpillar there is a molting process. The caterpillar will shed its skin several times during this phase of growth. As maturing we must shed unhealthy relationships, undesirable attitudes, and unhealthy habits. We must reject striving in our own flesh to obtain the fruits of the spirit.

Once the caterpillar has obtained its full length and weight, it needs a protective shell. The glasswing’s cocoon is highly reflective. This reflection mimics a large drop of water clinging to the leaf. When we reflect Christ, we mimic the living water that cleanses and protects us.

Just as with the cocoon, God often separates us for a time. It may seem as if nothing is happening, but God is sanctifying in that secret dwelling place.

During this stage, every part of the caterpillar is liquefied. Every part dies. God’s creative will, his Holy Spirit, and His love, rework us. About a day before the new creature is released, the cocoon becomes transparent. In order to be effective witnesses, God may call us to transparency so we can testify effectively to the changes He has worked in our lives.

A new creature, a reborn creature emerges from the cocoon. The butterfly must undergo the stress of breaking the cocoon and beating its soft wings. As the creature struggles to break free and dry its wings, blood pumps through them, providing the strength to master flight—a flight that takes our breath away.

The acceptance of Christ’s blood sacrifice on the Cross allows us to break free. We’re reborn free.

To breathe free.
To soar.
To live a victorious life in Him.

Many of my pictures have brought lessons to mind. The life cycle of a butterfly is a picture of resurrection. With this photo, I’m reminded how God the Creator loves variety. There are thousands of species of butterflies. Similarly, we are each unique, crafted by God’s hand. We can enter His Rest with assurance. He has planned the design of our wings and the flight path ahead of us. The seasons, years, weeks, and days of each one of our lives are perfectly timed.

“For, I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV