Captured Moments - Defined By Moments

Captured Moments

These "captured moments" are some of my best photographs as a amateur photographer. Each of them spoke to me, created a memory, and taught a lesson. In sharing them, I hope you benefit from the lessons learned.

9/27/2020

Commitment (Snow Camp, NC)

Captured Moments

I took this photo after a miss with my bow. The deer was well within my range, and my technique was just fine. So, what exactly happened? Commitment. Truthfully, a lack of commitment. This buck was a little one that I normally let walk, but he was "gimpy" and would not survive much longer. One side of my brain said to let the arrow fly thereby saving him what the coyotes will do BUT the other side was arguing that the effort (dragging and cleaning) was not worth the reward. Which argument won? You could say both did - an arrow flew and I did not have to invest time and effort afterwards - but the clear winner was lack of commitment. What a lesson as I paused to reflect and captured the moment of that amazing sunset. If you are not fully committed to a course of action, don't try to fake it. The resulting lack of success will tell everyone that your commitment was missing. Simply put, be all in or don't go in an all.

9/12/2020

Fatigue (Athens, OH)

Captured Moments

Have you ever noticed an increase in mental negativity when you get tired? It happens all the time with me. This picture challenged because I discovered this flower at the end of a long day. You see, I spent a couple days working for a men's ministry to prepare for our fall retreats. We got started early, faced poison ivy and mosquitoes, had a sandwich for lunch, and had not yet eaten although after sunset. Mentally and physically, I was tired and grumpy leading to silent complaining as I was hoping to leave and get something to eat. As an introvert, I separated from the group and took a walk to be alone with my thoughts when I saw this flower. It's color stood out brilliantly as the light faded. That forced a question - why was I not just as brilliant, although tired, as the light faded? It was my choice and I had chosen poorly. Learn from my mistake!

8/15/2020

Artistic Memory (Helena, MT)

Captured Moments By Joel Medley

The peace and stillness at this spot along the Missouri River produces tranquility for a modern-day journeyman. Nearly 110 years ago, however, this same spot was the scene of tragedy and turmoil. The Hauser Dam collapsed sending floodwaters downstream causing much damage but, in good news, limited loss of life. What happened? Pressure undermined the dam's foundation leading to the structural failure. Interestingly, metal shards from that first dam can still be seen in the river today as a memory of that awful day.

Fast forward to my 2016 visit, I fished this spot but caught nothing. Honestly, I was enjoying the scenery more than fishing and relished the opportunity to watch a master craftsman at work. My friend knew this river and the fish within it. His expert knowledge and deliberate action was art in motion.

Think about that - same location but different experiences.

Leaders would do well to learn from this spot. Yes, failure is costly but does not have to be the end. Scars of that mistake remain - to be learned from - but have become a simple brush stroke of beauty within the frame. Embrace mistakes. Learn from them. Take the time to heal. Then step back and look at the masterpiece those mistakes helped forge.

8/14/2020

Bloom (Burlington, NC)

The color of this no filter photo captured my attention. The purple just pops, and the details within the bloom are mesmerizing. The captured moment caused me to wonder what it took for the bloom to emerge - someone had to get dirty to plant the seed with a vision of what it would become. The plant needed to be strong enough to endure the quick storms, spring breezes, and drenching rain. Just like this plant, leaders need to see the vision, care for the plant, and help others endure the storms. The successful result is an amazing showcase the color.

8/13/2020

Over (Cedarock Park Burlington, NC)

Captured Moments By Dr. Joel Medley

Why is this place such a favorite for me? You may think it has to do with the picturesque nature or simply being outdoors, but that's not it. The soothing sounds of the water flowing over the dam relax me and have taught me much. Let me show you with a question: does it do any good to scoop up water at the dam's bottom to run back to the top side and pour it out again? You are laughing because you realize the answer is no. Why is it, however, that we do not do that with people and issues? When "settled," we keep bring them back later just to watch them flow over the dam one more time. The effort is futile and meaningless. Freedom and relaxation comes through the defining moment of letting those negative instances go over the dam and continue away from you down river. My advice is simple -- let it flow so that, in life, you can grow!

8/12/2020

Reflection (Jekyll Island, GA)

Captured Moments By Dr. Joel Medley

Barely visible at the top of the picture is the ocean as the tide is rising. The increasing volume of water creates turmoil, conflict, and noise. Despite the churn, notice the calm and stillness of this reflecting pool. We must build reflection time into our daily lives so that learning, growth, and development can occur. That commitment to reflect is never as important as when the stress of life increases leading to hard knocks along the rocks.

8/11/2020

Vision (Alamance, NC)

Captured Moments By Joel Medley

Do you see it yet? How about now? Look closely through the hole in that tree. That's one of my children and, oh, the communication struggle it was to get him lined up for this picture. I knew where he needed to be but had to put it in terms that he could understand and would willingly follow. If your vision is not clear then neither will be your communication. You have to see enough to find your direction, share the vision, guide others, and keep making progress together for an incredible moment.

8/10/2020

Stilled (Burlington, NC)

Stilled Burlington, NC

This photo brings me so much joy!

The curly-headed, little boy was not part of our plan, but he was a perfect gift from God. The photo captured his first ever snow, and he is mesmerized. All of his energy and rambunctiousness was stilled as he climbed into that chair and, silently, gazed out the window. If I had remained "busy," then I would have missed the opportunity to capture this incredible moment. Learn to slow down. Learn to look around. Learn to take it all in. Life, just like leadership, is short, but we have the right amount of time for our purpose. When was the last time that you were "stilled" to take in the joy that surrounds you?