Albert Einstein, a German-born theoretical physicist once remarked: “Life is like riding a bicycle, in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Leviticus 19:36 reminds us: “You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.”
The theory of a well-balanced life is primarily related to one, that provides optimal benefits. Sometimes, pressures and involvement with certain aspects of it can be overwhelming. We become so engrossed in what we do, we forget about our own well-being. This can result in a host of disorders including: Insomnia, Stress, Anxiety, Depression and many other mental health problems.
There is a saying: “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” Colossians 2:20-23 confirms: “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations - “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used) - according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”
Many people in life hold differing opinions or views to another. Advertising, advice and information are often freely provided to suggest or tempt ways to help people overcome health problems. However, not all work for everyone. It depends on the individual. People vary significantly from one another in stature, build and bodily fluidity and movement.
There are several products on the market claiming miraculous solutions for an unhealthy life. These may include items such as medication, fitness machines, health establishments and many more. One has to decide and ascertain what is most prudent for them. 1 Corinthians 6:12 confirms: “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.”
Photographs can often provide fond or happy memories of days gone by. They are a permanent mnemonic of those special moments previously experienced, of which one wishes or needs to be constantly reminded. Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce, an American short story writer once defined a photograph as: “A picture painted by the sun without instruction in art.” Ezekiel 8:12-13 reminds us: “Then he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark, each in his room of pictures? For they say, ‘The Lord does not see us, the Lord has forsaken the land.’” He said also to me, “You will see still greater abominations that they commit.”
With the progression of scientific knowledge, cameras today are usually of a digital nature and feature excellent image reproduction with the often added facility of also taking high-quality videos. Since most are now automatic, they ease the burden of manual focusing, using light meters to assess the correct aperture and usually provide a quick facility for uploading to a computer or other device for permanent retention. Most digital cameras include a small screen on the back to immediately view the picture or video taken to assess the quality and composition.
This provides a valuable option for immediate deletion and replacement with a new one if the image or video taken is not considered satisfactory.
Digital cameras are often more compact and lighter than traditional film cameras. They usually contain a memory card instead of a film, which requires little space and is easy to install. Gone are the days when one struggled with a roll of film, which required careful insertion into the camera, making sure that the surrounding light was not too bright to damage the sensitivity of the film and effectively render it useless.
The first camera was reputedly invented in 1816 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, of French nationality, who has often been credited as the inventor of photography. Cameras have progressed significantly over the years, with advanced features regularly added to aid the overall improvement and quality. In today’s technological age, it is difficult to imagine life without a camera by our side.
Cameras have the ability to record images of people, places and every conceivable subject possible. However, they may also provide beneficial factors, never imagined before, that can significantly help people.
Photography has been said to not only allow one to express themselves vividly, but it can also bring focus to positive experiences. It is believed to not only negate the negativity in life, but also lower stress levels and in particular, reduce the stress hormone cortisol. In addition, the in-built flash of a camera, which is often considered an important additional feature and illuminates a proposed subject to improve clarity when the shutter button is depressed, provides a degree of light in dark or dismal conditions.
In analogical reasoning, it could also be considered as performing the Godly function of lighting up the darkness in a depressed person’s life and provide hope for the future.
Just as Jesus Christ is known as the light of the world and provides illumination and hope in our lives, so the darkness within us may be eradicated and replaced by light through another interest in life.
John 8:12 confirms: Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The process of taking photographs can promote vision, creativity and imagination within a person. This may further result in a feeling of relaxation, the lifting of spirits, which may be low and an overall reduction in anxiety or other mental disorder which may be causing significant problems.
Pictures provide memories and possibly instil a feel-good factor during dark times. They can light a way forward for those who feel restricted. Photos of deceased loved ones may give a sense of renewed life to a distant memory or provide a special closeness in times of grief. 2 Corinthians 3:18 confirms: "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Amen.
