Neglect of our talents and passions is the end result when we start comparing ourselves to others and forget to focus on our own path.
Honestly, I find myself neglecting my photography at times because I feel my camera is too old and outdated and that people will think it’s funny I’m shooting with such an old camera. It’s a Nikon D100, Nikon’s first semi-pro digital SLR camera, it came out in June 2002. In digital technology, that’s like 20 years ago. I keep using the excuse that my camera is too old and can’t compete with modern cameras. Sometimes at weddings and events, I see teenagers “playing” with cameras better than mine. Look at me! I’m pitying myself and neglecting the talents and tools I have now.
If I keep up my neglect I will go nowhere with my photography here in Dallas. I challenge you to keep doing what you love, don’t let anyone discourage you, including and especially yourself! Otherwise you, we, can end up like that old can of cloves in the photo up there. It’s been in the same place for so long and it’s so rusty that you can barely recognize what it was intended for.
These words from the song “Dare You To Move” by Switchfoot say it so well:
The tension is here
Between who you are and who you could be
Between how it is and how it should be
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor
Amen! Makes me think about The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-28). We need to be using these gifts we have to glorify the God who gave them to us to begin with. I love this photo Matthew, and what a great lesson and reminder to not bury our talents and let them go to waste.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. ”
Romans 12:6-8
As usual, another great read. I can’t speak for everyone here, but I enjoy your views on topics like these.