Last week, I wrote about my participation in a photo contest. I found out this past Monday that I lost. I did not even get an honorable mention. It gave me an upside down happy face.
I do not pretend to have professional photography talent, but had hoped to at least place.
Because of my issues with lack of confidence, I also do not handle disappointment well. I have had some past endeavors that proved disastrous, and failure tends to shake one’s confidence like nothing else. Although I am not a failure, I have failed many times at things that I have tried.
Haven’t we all had similar experiences, though, where we failed at doing something we hoped would have a favorable outcome?
Failure and disappointments are a part of living. They are a part of the world system.
Thankfully, God does not measure success by the world’s standards. He enjoys having us explore new talents and trying new things. Every new venture, even if it does not work out, is an avenue of learning something and an opportunity to grow. God doesn’t view our efforts as failures; He sees them as opportunities of fine-tuning, much like a violinist warming up for a symphony.
If I had won a prize in the contest, my husband and I would have enjoyed staying in a B&B somewhere along the Natchez Trace. It also would have validated my efforts with photography.
But God did not give me this love of taking pictures to impress others, or as a goal of winning contests. He instilled this interest in me as an avenue of capturing the grandeur of His creation, and sharing the beauty of His handiwork.
Knowing that God gave me this love of photography, and that it pleases Him when I use it for His glory, changes my sad face to what it should be ~ a right-side-up happy one.
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Colossians 3:17
BTW – the winners of the contest had some lovely shots, as seen on this link to:
Natchez Trace Travel
*My favorite is the one by Sybil Knox, Milepost 310, taken 11/16/13.
Blessings,
Sue Nash
Heavenly Raindrops 
Thanks for sharing your honest struggles with us, Sue. If your Abba, Father had a fridge, I am sure He’d have those pictures on it 🙂 Trusting with you, that when He sees, it’s enough.
Yes, so true Heidi. Thanks for the encouragement! Blessings friend.
I love the analogy of being fine-tuned like a violin. Your images are wonderful, and they truly do bless, inspire and point to the Lord.
Thanks for your kind feedback, Rene. Means a lot!
“Ahhhhh…” (or is it “Awhhhhh…”) Those are the “Winning Photos?” O.M.G.! You definitely should have been given, at least, an “honorable mentions” for certain! I’ve seen your photos here and they certainly “measure-up” to the “Winning” ones!!!
I think it was “FIXED!!!” lol
Truthfully, Sue, your photos ARE “Great!” Keep it up! “Practice makes…PERFECT!!!”
Take Care and God Bless!
Thank you so much. You are very kind
You’re still my favorite photographer.
Thanks dear.
Awhh. I’m sorry. You have taken some really wonderful photographs. You didn’t win the contest, but I think you win with the bloggers every time you post. 🙂
How sweet of you, Julie. Your kind feedback makes me smile. Blessings
Sorry you didn’t win for your photos. They are amazing. All who read your blog are blessed by your photos and your encouraging and challenging words!
Thanks, Shelly. It blesses me knowing they bless others.
I have found that the Lord often uses my failures to turn my attention in the direction where He wants it… I liked your smiley face photo – up or down. : )
Thanks. You are right about how God uses our circumstances to point us back to what matters to Him.
Totally understand where you’re coming from (yes, I’m late in responding *sigh*). We entered several contests last year and just knew we’d win one of them. Never made the cut from slush pile to low-man-on-the-totem-pole. But God knows our hearts and we’ve come to appreciate His timing for us. But still… (always a but, right? So much to learn!) 🙂 Thanks for sharing this – and we loved your picture best! Blessings, Sophie
You are too sweet! Thanks very much for the support. I do y know why you didn’t win, either. Love your writing.