When I was asked by Donna Rhodes to consider contributing an essay on “God Calls Ordinary People,” I questioned what I might have to offer. I am ordinary, but how am I being called to the ministry? Most of the essays that SVMC has shared in the past 3 years have been from pastors or former SVMC students who have shared their spiritual journeys … meaningful and personal testimonies that describe how they received their call to ministry. I shared with Donna that I do not recall ever feeling that call to ministry so I asked again, what could I offer to this essay series? She simply responded that my photography is a gift and that I should think of it as a ministry. Truthfully, I never thought of this (very amateur) hobby of mine as a ministry, but since I was asked to consider sharing an essay, it has made me think of my hobby in a different way.

My enjoyment of photography started as a kid when I received my first camera – an instant Polaroid (the kind with the peel-apart film that takes 60 seconds to develop). I then graduated to a Kodak Instamatic and then various film cameras, and now I use a simple digital SLR (with interchangeable lenses) and my iPhone (which takes great pictures)! The technology has changed over the years, but my love for photography has remained steadfast.

Like most of us, I use my camera as a tool for capturing family gatherings, and I always have it with me on my journeys around the world where I love to capture images of beautiful scenery and interesting people. I have had the honor of having several of these photos accepted from Brethren Press for publication on bulletin covers, and several have been used for SVMC Christmas cards and note cards. But I receive the most enjoyment and fulfillment when I use my camera as a means of personal meditation and reflection. I love taking my camera on nature walks and spending time in the woods or in flower gardens in my own neighborhood. Just having my camera with me, I find myself slowing down and paying attention to my surroundings with heightened awareness, looking for the extraordinary in the ordinary. I have learned that taking photos can be made special just by paying attention. For me, one of the wonders of photography is to frame a moment in time, and within my own gaze and presence in that particular moment, am reminded that there are so many wonderful things happening all around me, and all moments are holy. Like a pile of autumn leaves, a deer staring into my eyes, untouched seashells at sunrise, a bird soaring on a clear day, or ice forming on a twig. I just have to open my eyes and notice.

Truthfully, I was reluctant to write this essay, but I suppose Donna was onto something when she suggested that my hobby of photography is a ministry. I hope others enjoy the photos I share, but mostly, I believe my photography is a personal ministry. It is during those quiet times in nature that photography provides a way to still my heart and soul so I can hear God's voice and sense God's presence.

Karen Hodges has been the Program Coordinator for SVMC since April 2016. She lives in Elizabethtown and attends the Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren.