But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Mark 10:6
Connected to Nature
Amidst the serene landscapes, tranquility takes residence in the heart and mind, offering solace and sanctuary. Whenever the need arises for mental clarity, the wilderness beckons, a realm where solitude reigns supreme. This haven is untainted by the distractions and commotions concocted by humankind.
In the act of capturing a fleeting moment through the lens, I've discovered a conduit to express gratitude for life's blessings and to comprehend its trials. Often, the abundance we enjoy can slip through our fingers, taken for granted amidst the rush of our days. Acknowledging the positive aspects often comes naturally, yet extending the same grace to the challenges can prove arduous, especially when we're in the midst of adversity.
As I embark on this solitary expedition, a winding road trip that has carried me from the majestic National Parks of Grand Teton to the marvels of Glacier, and now back to the captivating embrace of Yellowstone's wilderness, I am privileged to bear witness to nature's symphony. Each stop has unveiled a fresh panorama, a testament to God's artistry. These vistas, encapsulated through my lens, tether my spirit to the divine.
During the quiet moments of contemplation that accompany these journeys, a realization has crystallized in my consciousness. My affair with nature dates back to the early 90s, a time when my bond with the outdoors was burgeoning, yet concealed within my heart was a hollowness I was yet to discern or acknowledge.
Lower Falls - Yellowstone National Park
Connected To My Spouse
A song I penned in the late 90s, aptly titled "Connected," emerged from my soul. A song born of yearning, despite my unattached status at the time. Its verses painted a portrait of a future encounter, a meeting with the soul destined to accompany me through life's myriad chapters.
Now, as I sit near Old Faithful in Yellowstone's domain, poised on the cusp between day and night, the skies overhead a blend of clouds and the haze of distant Montana fires, my thoughts meander toward my life partner of 19 years.
In these reflective moments, while enveloped in nature's grandeur and fueled by my passion for encapsulating beauty, a truth surfaces: my wife. She is the missing piece that seamlessly integrates into the mosaic of my existence. This realization, though covert, has silently gestated within me. It's she who banishes the shadows of incompleteness, who imparts the warmth of connection upon my heart.
A secret shared only between me and these words, my wife remains under the impression that "Connected" was a dedication to another. In the tapestry of time, the inception of the song predates our convergence, yet now, the truth emerges unobscured. The lyrics were composed for her, an ode to a love yet to be embraced.
As the chronicle of this photographic odyssey continues to unfold, one truth becomes resplendently clear. The hollowness that once lingered undiscovered within my soul has been filled by her presence. An intangible yet profound yearning has been assuaged, weaving its intricate threads within me. The void that was filled is love.
