David Bahn – Reflections

I missed the Northwest Houston Photo Club Christmas party last night. In place of that, I attended the LINC gala, a fancy party with flowers in the salad, silent and live auction items to raise money for the work of LINC – a coalition of Lutheran churches to impact the city of Houston for the Kingdom of God. Although I was able to support LINC by donating two of my photos for the auctions, I was able to offer a prayer for the photo club party – as I do each year. So here is what I offered by means of someone else reading what I wrote…

Prologue:

Oh that I a Hasselblad
40 megapixels would be so nice!
Or a Mimiya Leaf camera back
With it’s 40 Thousand dollar price.

I’d even settle for a Leica
Then I could grab a retro look.
But none of those options would really
Get my photo published in a book.

So maybe, dear Santa, I’ll settle
For my Nikon, Canon, or Sony;
And my friends at the NWH Photo Club
None of whom are the least bit phony.

For this season is so often about getting
And making long lists for much spending.
So for this moment, I’ll gladly remember
The gift most worthy of giving.

So dear Santa, please pardon
My moment’s more thoughtful reflection
And let me offer this prayer
At our club’s Christmas celebration.

Prayer:

Dear Father in heaven who has given
Light and form and creation:
Hear our prayer of thanksgiving;
For your gifts that rouse the photographer’s inspiration.

And though we be several religions:
Nikonians, Canonites, Pentexians, and
Even a Buddhist, Hindi, or Jew,
For this moment we honor the Christ Child:
A gift for all from You.

Bless our party, our stories and laughter,
Our silliness, games and awards
Give us all another year to celebrate
And fill up countless CF cards!

Thanks for all who make all this possible:
The officers, judges and makers of all this food.
Help us to remember those who have little;
And give what we can for their good.

So for all who can say it in faith,
We end this light-hearted prayer,
In the name of the Savior whose birth;
Brings to so many so much great mirth.

And any others who can wish with us,
For joy and good will among men,
We will all speak together
Our loud and heart-felt – Amen!