Tag Archives: Acadia

God in all things, Photography, Scenery, Travel

Fairness

This photo was taken not long after we started our bike ride on the carriage roads in Acadia NP. This spot was near Witch Hole Pond. It was a little chilly, I was riding with a jacket and gloves on, but it had the signs of being a beautiful day. There were lots of clouds, but it was not “supposed to” rain. At least, that is the way we think. As if some modest ability to predict the weather gives us ownership of the weather. And if it rains on day day like this, it violates our sense of fairness.

We seem to have a finely tuned sense of fairness regarding things directly affecting our own life, and less so for things affecting others. While that can be a result of self-centeredness, I think it reflects 2 other things. First, being emotionally close to something impairs our judgement. Secondly, it is very difficult to see things from someone else’s perspective.

Seeing God in all things changes that. Not just seeing God in nature, but also in each other. Life becomes less about me and more about we.

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God in all things, Photography, Scenery, Travel

Rising Tide

This is Ship Harbor in Acadia NP, near Bass Harbor Head Light Station. Even though I assume this was near low tide, it is hard for me to imagine large ships coming through here. And yet, that is supposedly how this body of water got its name. You can tell how high the water gets during high tide by the dark color of the rock.

We talk about the rising tide as a metaphor, as in “a rising tide lifts all boats”. This phrase has been used primarily in an economic sense, meaning everyone benefits when the economy improves. But it could just as well be thought of in a spiritual sense as well. As in, we all benefit from God’s love.

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God in all things, Photography, Scenery, Travel

Details

This is a view of Jordan Pond from the North Bubble in Acadia NP. The water stands out, but much of the beauty in the view lies in the surrounding details. You need to look a closely, but you can easily see the Jordan Pond House at the far end of the pond. Some of the other details that “stand out” to me include the carriage road (to the right), the leaves changing red, and the islands off in the distance. This is so much more than a picture of a water.

Beauty is often found in the small details. God provides a richness to our lives that must be noticed to be appreciated.

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God in all things, Photography, Scenery, Travel

Top of the World

While at Acadia, we spent most of a day hiking Cadillac Mountain. We went up the North Trail to the top. Every few minutes, we would stop, turn around, and look at the view of Bar Harbor and the coastline. This photo was taken at the top. Bar Harbor is just a small collection of white dots with 2 cruise ships.

Making this hike gave me a “Top of the world” feeling. You could also call it a mountaintop experience. I believe these experiences are a recognition of goodness. The goodness of God. Maybe we recognize the goodness in nature. Maybe the goodness in someone else, a stranger even. Or in ourself.

We want to remain in these moments, but that is not possible because life goes on. If you stay on top of the mountain, you’re going to get cold and hungry. And if you stay too focused on the last experience, you might miss the next one.

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God in all things, Photography, Scenery, Travel

Knowledge

This photo is a view of Sand Beach in Acadia, taken from the Beehive summit (we hiked up the back side). I find it striking to see this strip of sand between the ocean and a lagoon. Mount Desert Island, where most of Acadia is located, has mostly rocky shore. So this beach is doubly unusual. I tried to find out more information about why this beach exists the way it does, but couldn’t find much more than a comment about the fine sand existing due to the cove protecting the beach from strong waves.

These days, I’m more amazed when I can’t find the information I’m looking for than when I can. The news is filled with commentary about the potential use (or misuse) of AI. It seems the more we know, the more we know we don’t know.

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God in all things, Photography, Scenery, Travel

Clearly Seen

This photo is a view of Jordan Pond, looking across at the South Bubble in Acadia NP. It is thought to be the remnant of a glacier. This water is so clear that you can typically see 44 feet down. I’ve found that it is very hard to judge the depth of the water when it is so clear. Of course, it is also very difficult to judge the depth of the water when it is very murky! I guess you could say the difference is in seeing or not seeing what you don’t know.

It is said that “Seeing is believing” but it is important to remember that we are easily misled by what we see.

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God in all things, Photography, Scenery, Travel

Sunrise, Sunset

This sunset photo was taken on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia NP. It is the highest point on the East Coast. It is a famous place to watch sunrise because of the view and the fact that for half of the year, it is the first place in the US where you can see the sunrise.

Unfortunately, that also makes it a difficult place to watch the sunrise. The Park Service issues permits to drive to the top and the ones for sunrise sell out as soon as they become available.

I heard that sunset was just as spectacular as sunrise at the top but just not as popular. So we drove up in the late afternoon to watch the sunset. And it was certainly spectacular!

How often do we do something because it is what everyone else is doing?

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God in all things, Photography, Scenery, Travel

Patience

This is a photo of the Bar Island Trail, part of the Acadia National Park. At least, this is the location of the trail, but it happens to be disappearing underwater at the moment. It is only accessible during low tide. Good luck if you cross over to the island and don’t return before the tide rises!

God always answers our prayers, but not always when we expect an answer. Doors open and close, but often only in hindsight (if ever) does the timing make sense. Faith and patience go hand in hand.

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