Thursday, December 23, 2010

(Day 357) The mad rush

The last time I was at this spot was in the spring. Since then a lot of water has gone under the bridge I was standing on. As I watched the water rushing down this stream I was reminded of the mad rush of people I had encountered earlier in the day - scrambling to buy those last minute gifts. I counted myself lucky not to be in that rush - not because I'm well-organized and got gifts earlier, but because my wife is the organized one who hates to procrastinate, and she had taken care of nearly all the shopping.

So I was able this afternoon to take some time and just enjoy the scene, and make a few photographs. I hope those people that were dashing through the stores find the time to slow down enough to ponder the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place - the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of the world. At his birth the angels sang "peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased" - the kind of peace that passes all understanding. May we all stop the mad rush long enough to ponder these great things. quietly.

(18-55mm  f10  1/60 sec  ISO200)


(18-55mm  f16  1/6 sec  ISO100)

11 comments:

Katherine said...

Well you wouldn't want to fall into that water...looks treacherous & freezing.
With regards to the last minute shopping.. I try to do everything to avoid that but still I found myself at the local mall twice in the last two days, no fun at all!
I think I found physical proof that it is the woman who do most of the Christmas Shopping. When I went to purchase a Christmas card for my husband (you know one that has husband written on it) there were none left but alas, there were hundreds of cards with wife written on them. Explains a lot I reckon!

Dawn said...

What a rush! For sure...these photos are captivating!
Glad you have (someone to do the Christmas stuff for you;) your Christmas things done;);)

And true.....everyone seems to have forgotten what this madness is all about- and it shouldn't be madness at all.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!!!

darlin said...

Amen to your message Rick. Tomorrow once the dinner is done it will be the time to stop and reflect, time to slow down and thank the good Lord and pray for those who are out there lost in the hustle and bustle or homeless and the lost souls. My heart goes out to these people especially at this time of year. I guess that's a part of why I'm choosing to do what I'm educating myself for, I want to be able to make a wee bit of difference even if it's only an ear to listen or to give someone a hot cup of tea.

Magnificent photos, you never cease to amaze me. I'm sure that I've told you this plenty of times but what the heck, I just told you again! lol

See you tomorrow night, have a wonderful Christmas Eve and go give your wife a huge hug for letting you off so easy! ;-)

Leovi said...

Beautiful with moving water.

Ruth Hiebert said...

The pictures ,of course are beautiful,as usual.I trust that we will all take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.I know that for me this year,Christmas has a different tone,because I won't be able to give my husband that Christmas hug and kiss.He is with the Christ of Christmas and having the time of his life.
Christmas Blessings to you and yours.

Soraia said...

Very good! :D

Karin / Southern Meadows said...

Excellent water shots! Hope you stay warm and have a joyous Christmas!

imac said...

Well done Rick, whats your secret on training wives????lol

Rick said...

Katherine - I think you're right about women being more prepared than men; I think women are the glue that hold society together - if it were strictly up to men, we'd still all be hunters and gatherers ;-) I hope you're already enjoying a wonderful Christmas !

Thank you Dawn - I am truly blessed - in many ways. I trust your Christmas will be a wonderful one !

Thank you Darlene. You have a big heart, which is what I am sure has drawn you to your studies and career choice. As you've said before, you're a work in progress, as we all are, if we stop to listen and let God work on us. Enjoy your Christmas as I know you will !

Rick said...

Thank you Leovi !

Ruth - I understand that this will be a bittersweet Christmas - your first without Jake to share it with. I trust God will comfort you with his promise to bring all those who love Him to be with Him some day. Have a blessed Christmas !

Obrigado Soraia !

Rick said...

Thank you Karin - I'm trying to stay warm, but it's cold (-13C/9F) tonight ! Merry Christmas.

Thank you Stewart ! If I knew the secret, I'd bottle and sell it ! ;-) Merry Christmas !