Being Patient

As a dedicated teacher, I often hear the heartfelt statement, “Wow, you have a lot of patience!” And in my classroom, surrounded by my wonderful students, I truly do embody that quality. However, applying that same skill to other areas of my life can, at times, prove to be a bit challenging. One early and crisp morning, I decided to take a scenic ride up to Rocky Mountain National Park, where adventure awaited. I had a beautiful location in mind for witnessing the breathtaking sunrise. I was incredibly eager to be there when the sun began to rise, illuminating the landscape and allowing vibrant colors to beautifully pop against the backdrop.

When I arrived, however, I was greeted by a thick blanket of clouds covering everything in sight. After waiting patiently for a few minutes, I decided to change my lens to a telephoto, reluctantly giving up on the stunning landscape image I had envisioned in my mind. Instead, I turned my focus to the possibility of spotting some wildlife. As I drove deeper into the park, I came to one of my absolute favorite overlooks. Eagerly, I got out to take a look, only to be met once again by more clouds shrouding the view. I started to leave, thinking maybe it just wasn’t meant to be that day, but something deep inside me urged me to stop. Be patient.

As I gazed across the vast valley, I began to notice that the clouds were gradually starting to break apart. I decided to wait a little longer. Then, in a fleeting instant, the majestic peak of a great mountain came into view, the sun perfectly illuminating it as if it were a masterpiece. Although a wide-angle lens would have sufficed for a different type of shot, the telephoto lens I had reluctantly put on earlier turned out to be absolutely perfect for capturing this special moment in time. I was able to bring the stunning subject closer, allowing me to immortalize this beautiful experience. Life can often feel so fast-paced and chaotic, where quick thinking and rapid reactions dominate our daily routines. This particular shot serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes you just need to pause. Be patient. The reward may be something truly incredible, just like this picture I was fortunate enough to capture.

Location: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado