Chasing Sunsets 4

"Be still and know that I am God."

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Hey there! I haven't added to this series in a while. It's more like a golden hour photoset. I went to a retreat this past Saturday in Crieff Hills, Guelph, Ontario. I went for a nice, quiet walk around sunset time and snapped these pictures. 

Pancakes anyone? It was a pretty cool sight to see these mushrooms--some of them were the same size of my hand.  

Such a lovely golden hour. I haven't had a good golden hour shoot in a while. If you don't already know, I finished school this year and I've been studying for a month or so to prepare for a major exam. I have to be certified to become a Medical Radiation Technologist and I just had the exam today.

I was worrying the whole weekend before it. I mean, who wouldn't? My career depends on this.  

So during this retreat, I was a little burdened as I was losing a day of studying. But you know what, it was really worth it. Not just because of this beautiful golden hour, but because of the things I was able to personally reflect on and the peace I received from prayer and confession. 

Lovely purple flowers.  

I always get nervous before exams but this is a little different. The scope of the whole exam is just in a different league than what I'm used to.  

The exam is basically everything I've learned in the last four years, including clinical experience. How could you possibly remember every little detail? It also didn't help me that it costs $925 to write. Yes, you read that correctly. 

A lot was riding on this test--I had set the expectation for myself that failure is not an option. This is probably why I felt so much pressure. 

Walking around in golden hour gave me a lot of relief for the time being though. I felt very still and peaceful. The light just faded my worries away.  

I will learn to chase my worries away, just like how Inez ran to chase this crow on the field. 

Unfortunately, I didn't jump like this after the test. After spending four hours doing 200 questions in which many I was unsure of, I wasn't feeling so joyous.  

After texting my friends and comparing answers (lame, I know, but I do that after every test)...I eventually resigned about it. 

I had to remind myself to move on and let go. No more thinking about the exam because I can't change anything from this point. It's up to God now--I've done my part.  

 The results will be revealed in 4 weeks or so which is a painfully long time. 

Breathe in, breathe out...it's done. For good. Hopefully.  

Anyways, that was the story of my stress. Thank you for all the support and prayers from those who offered them. I really appreciate it and could not have done it without you. 

 In other news, I'm trying to decide whether or not I should sell my DSLR kit for a Fuji x100s. I really feel like I want to simplify my photography so that I can focus on composition and develop my style more. 

 I'm extremely indecisive when it comes to my gear because--let's face it--they are my babies. One day when I have the dough I wish to upgrade to full-frame. 

That's it folks. Just like how this sunset came and went, we will never the same sunset again.

 Regardless of the outcome of this exam or any other "tests" in our lives, we will not be the same afterwards. Whether the change is positive or negative, just remember nothing is a coincidence--God has a plan and He knows best. 

-e.m.