Contentment with Limited Perspective?

How does it make you feel when you know you can't see the whole, big picture? Being "limited" is a bad thing, right? I can only make an informed decision if I have all the facts! But we cannot possess all the information that exists. We may think we know it all, but our minds are distinctly finite.

Open Sails on the Sound

These limited perspectives were photographed through the stationary binoculars at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge.

Far-off Bridge

Top o' the Mountain

More of the Mountain

Although the size of the viewing field is small, the magnification is great -- better than my camera's zoom, and much better than the naked eye.










Across the top quarter of this photo, you can see a portion of the Narrows Bridge. That's a good ten miles from where I stood.













And then there's Mount Rainier. Here you see part of the summit. Distance, about 40 miles as the crow flies.














This pic of The Mountain reminds me of photos taken from the windows of spacecraft, looking back at Earth.







I had fun playing with my toys, both in shooting these photos and cropping them later. Taking advantage of limited perspective, if you will. The narrow view (no pun intended) lends itself to a different kind of contemplation. Maybe it's good to be reminded of our limitations.

Paul noted something like this --

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known.

One day, we will know all about everything. One day, we will understand. One day, all will be revealed. Until then, I can trust God who fully knows, completely understands, and whose will is being accomplished. He's looking out for my very best interests, and He sees the minute details as well as the really big picture.

"For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

We don't get it all now, but it's okay. Might as well make the most of this and enjoy what we've got!

Ready for a Wild Ride?

Just thinking...

I'm very susceptible to motion sickness. Amusement parks, therefore, don't amuse me much. But I was thinking (and praying) tonight about roller coasters.

The thrill of the roller coaster is the feeling of being out of control, the fear of losing it all. The wild ride down, down, down, ripping around the corner, twisting, whipping back and down again. Even the slow climb adds to the tension. The higher the climb, the steeper the drop on the other side.

In my imagination, at least, those fear-filled seconds are finally relieved when you find yourself still held in the seat, safe. You paid admission for this ride because you were confident that, in the end, you would be safe.

I think I'm on a roller coaster. I can't tell where it's headed, but I know who has made the track. He also made the safety harness that holds me in the seat. And He is the one at the gate, with the start button at His fingertip. God is in control, and I am safe. I will be safe. I sure would like to know where He's taking me, but I don't get to see very far ahead. Really, that's okay. I don't need to see ahead. Just stay in my seat -- and raise my hands for the wild screaming ride!


"For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!"