Peace In The Margins

Sunsets always leave me breathless. The way God blends bright and vibrant colors then swishes his paintbrush across the sky till it erupts in oranges, purples, reds, and yellows. The end result leaves me speechless.

This week the hubs and I camped for the second time at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park in Okeechobee, Florida. The intent was to grab night sky photos during a new moon. The last time we attempted this, the weather did not cooperate. It rained for two days and we eventually left a day early.

This time was bound to be different.

Night One – Our goal was to get everything ready: equipment, batteries charged, learn the new camera I rented specifically for this trip, and rest.

Day One – We scoped out the best spot for photos. We decided on a spot and in the meantime stumbled upon the park ranger. He recommended we try our hand at grabbing a sunset shot and gave us some tips on a few locations. So, we did just that.

I cannot begin to tell you how amazing that sunset was – it was like the prairie was on fire. And I channeled my inner Ansel Adams and climbed on top of the car for the best shot.

Night Two – We decided, based upon the aches from the day’s adventures (and sleeping arrangements in a tent), to wait to shoot the night on Night 3.

Day Two – I spent the day renting and editing at camp. The hubs enjoyed relaxing by a fire and doing much of nothing. It was much needed and so wonderful.

Night Three – The weather all three evenings was cool and moist. By the time the stars appeared, night shooting became difficult. I attempted it as best I could, but my lens continually fogged up – much like the night air. Even the astronomers packed up their telescopes early. So, once again, night shots were a bust.

Day Three – We packed up and headed home.

Even though the elusive Milky Way style image was once again not achieved, I walked away with a renewed sense of beauty displayed by God’s finger print on the earth. The prairie is an amazing place – it’s a hidden gem in the Florida State Park circuit – and the sunsets blew me away.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

SIDE NOTE: The gift spoken about in this passage is salvation through Jesus, but the sunset was pretty amazing, too.