And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. Matthew 19:5 (NIV)
When I was a child, I loved to take pictures. My first camera was an old box camera with the viewfinder on the top. I remember peering down into the mirrors that refracted the image to take pictures of my friends, family and pets. Over the years, I had several different types: a Polaroid with the special paper and tube of chemicals that you rubbed over the paper to make it come to life, “instamatics” with their prepackaged film that you just popped into camera’s back, an old 35 mm that was my dad’s that I accidentally left on a plane to Europe leaving me no choice but to spend some of my souvenir money on an Olympus camera that I loved for many years. For a time, I even had a Bell and Howell movie camera. I recruited my friends to be the actors while I served both as director and cameraman. After I “grew up” became a wife and then, a mom, with a job and house to keep, photography only became something that I did to record special events. Now that I have time to indulge in hobbies once again, I wanted a better camera than my Nikon Coolpics point and shoot. For my birthday, I was blessed to receive enough money to buy a nice camera. I discovered a local camera store that would match the prices of the big box stores and throw in certificates for free photography classes. I did some research and taking the salesman’s advice invested in a Nikon D3000 as well as an extra zoom lens. Saturday, after escaping from Miami, husband and I stopped at Corkscrew Sanctuary in Naples. Run by the Audubon Society, the site features a two and a half mile boardwalk through a swamp. Volunteers stationed around the walk were eager to show us the wildlife. They would quietly beckon us to come as they pointed out places where we might see birds, turtles and alligators. With high powered binoculars on tripods and aimed at nests or with signs that said, “Look!” They were determined that we not miss the wonders of their swamp. “See,” they whispered, “A White Eyed Vireo! A Red Bellied Woodpecker! A Gray Catbird!” I nodded and smiled, but to be honest, saw nothing but leaves waving in the wind. Still, they persisted and made me feel like a new member of their club. Soon, I got the hang of following their directions.
There! A Green Heron! 
Here! A Pine Warbler!With encouragement, I became more confident in my own abilities. Their willingness to teach and to be available to this beginner birdwatcher made me wish that our churches were more like the Audubon Society. Instead of demanding perfection. Instead of being judgmental and critical of newcomers, what if we opened our arms and welcomed them in just as they are? We could take a lesson from the Audubon volunteers. I want to go back to Corkscrew. How many would say that of our churches?
Time to stop lurking…What the heck? You turned 32?? And we didn't parteeee??? Happy birthday, dear friend. It appears to me that you have many wonderful gifts for your birthday this year. SO happy about your baby's good news. And this camera takes super duper photos. I propose we pack up our cameras, lenses, a fancy picnic with a birthday cake and head out to celebrate! What say you?
Great camera!! I can see some wonderful photography in your future. Speaking of Corkscrew – I haven't been there in years – maybe it's time to go back for a visit!
You're going to love your new camera! Hubby is green with envy LOL
Corkscrew looks like a wonderful place – thanks for sharing with us.
I still can't get over 32.
When I was 32, my oldest was 2.
Great photos and good points about welcoming and judging.