A journey of a thousand miles…
27 04 2009What you are about to read is probably the hardest thing for me to write in the past 20 or so years. I have been putting it off for some time now, not because I’m expecting it to be a literary masterpiece, but because I’m laying my dream out there for the whole world to see. What you will read (unless you click on out of here) is something that has been brewing in my mind, my heart, my very soul for a while. I’m finding it difficult to find the words to put with these visions rolling about in my brain. I’m also a bit trepid about making my dreams public since doing so makes it “real” and leaves me feeling a bit exposed. I’ve been holding back from sharing my dream, but every time I pray about it God reminds me that I need to take this next step before any others can be taken.
My single step…
First, let me say that what I’m going to share isn’t just my dream, it is what I feel called (by God) to do. If you had asked me just a few years ago, what I wanted to do with my life, I would have told you that I wanted to be a famous nature photographer and make a more than comfortable living. Over the past few years, though, God has really brought about a deep shift in my life and the way I view many things. I think the biggest shift has come in the form of a greater understanding of God, His kingdom, and his intense desire for relationship with us. I’ve grown to see my Journey as one of faith, hope, and love rather than one of following a set of regulations, doctrine, or “law”. This deep shift in view has shaped how I view the environment, politics, photography, relationships, and basically everything that is connected to my life, my Journey.
I want to take three of my loves, God, photography, & nature, and teach people to “see” them the way I do. I feel lead to “give sight to the blind.” I know to some of you reading this that last sentence sounds really corny and, honestly, I had never even thought of my dream in that way until I just typed it.
In the simplest form, my dream is to conduct nature photography workshops that focus on how photography can be an act of worship of the Creator and how photography can be gospel, a.k.a. good news. (again, hadn’t thought of it that way until I typed it.) I’ve found that while in the past I viewed other photographers as competition, I love teaching others how to be better photographers and seem to have a knack for it. While I used to be full of pride in my own talent, I am now humbled by that same talent and see it as a gift to share.
On a more complex level, I see a co-housing community (school?) of photographers, artists, craftsman, and others who live sustainably and teach their crafts and share their love of God and Creation. I see a community that not only teaches skills, but also lifestyle, a lifestyle of godly stewardship.
So…do you think I’m crazy? Or, perhaps, do you share a similar dream?
Here are some random thoughts that pertain to my dream:
I need a mentor. In photography, in spirituality, in life in general.
I’m not meant to do this alone. I pray that God will bring me in contact with others who share this dream including not just other artists, but also those with management and administrative skills.
I see this happening in the mountains (NC, SC, TN, VA, VT, NH ?) but I currently live in Charlotte. hmmm…
This will take money that I quite frankly don’t have. Not sure how everything will work out, but if it is God’s will, I know it WILL work out.
Please pray for me. Pray that I hear God’s voice in this clearly. Pray for my family, that they would share this dream and that we would grow stronger together. Pray that I would be patient during this time of waiting, listening, and learning. Pray that God continues to heal and repair my own brokeness.
Keep checking back because I will continue to edit and refine this post. If I add something to the main post, I will put the date added in parenthesis.
Created & Creative by God’s Design,
Rich Nicoloff
Don’t forget to check out my photography: From the Journey Photography
Wow, Rich! This is an awesome dream…It sounds much more fulfilling than merely becoming a famous photographer and making a lot of money. I know you are longing to be in the mountains, but you can certainly work on the early steps of this dream right here in Charlotte and build it as you go.
You, Kristie and the kids are always in my prayers, this just adds another layer.
May God bless you in your visioning, seeking, healing and growing!
wow. that is so exciting. i want to work with arab youth, and yah, that has taken so long to get off the ground or even just over there (going on 10 years and i still have 2 more to serve in the AF). But if you make your community I promise one day I’ll send you some talented arab girls from some war torn country. i don’t know where the money will come from but i’m pretty good at working two jobs. :> i’ve prayed in the past before and God is so good about providing extra work when i need it. And I hope it does end up in the mountains because i think that would be a good place for people to reflect and get some healing, like my Arab girls that I haven’t met yet, but they’re constantly on my mind. I can’t wait to meet them.
That’s a wonderful and altogether lovely dream!
Being brave and sharing your dream with the world is the first big step.
Enjoy the Journey-
Rich,
After reading this vision.. I am excited to begin walking with you along the “Nature Trail” with our son’s in cub-scouts.
You are looking for a mentor and yet you are such a mentor to those precious soon to be “Bear Cubs!” May God rise up a Godly man to help bring wisdom to which will help put this vision in motion. Just remember that “Obediance brings Blessings!” You have past your first step…
Just like your own personal walk.. and sounds like your photography journey..God will mold your vision as he begins to add more “light” to your “subject.” Even though love for nature of photography has been your ‘Subject” for many years.. your prospective is changing..
I stand beside whatever God has in-store for you and your family and God’s kingdom..
I think your dream is fantastic, I wish I lived closer because I would love to see the world as you do. I think your dream will benefit so many people and possibly open the world’s eyes to how beautiful our planet is.
The funding will come. With faith like yours, if it’s your destiny it WILL happen. I run a business from my home also and I was able to get a grant from the government for $5,000 to help pay for equipment and startup. I will read my grant funding book I have and see if anything may help you.
Keep your head aimed to the sky, your dream will come true.
when peace like a river floods my soul………….. Paul walked a long a lonely road to get to be the man of God that he became. In each persons life that road is one of great fear , heart aches and pain, and yet through all of that if we are still and know deep in our souls that He is God we will have that peace like a river and it will flood our souls. As much as your soul longs to be other places never forget ………. you are on that road just as Paul was . Walk with God my dear friend and know thatthe pain is not less the heart aches may not be less but the peace is deep and the warmth of being in God full understanding is powerfull ………… “Be Still and Know I am God” look at the understanding that brought both David and Paul ……….
Wow Rich, thats an amazin insite. Its Amazing how clearly you’ll hear gods voice f you just take the time to listen. I wish you luck a you continue to embark your journey. I will keep you and you amily in my thoughts and prayers.
Best of luck to you,
Michelle
Rich, I see much of my Father’s Philosophy in you. He has taught me that God’s glory is reflected in part here on earth for us to see. The beauty around us is nothing compared to the beauty of Him. You have been given an amazing talent and I know that God hears the desire of your heart. He has a plan and purpose and as long as you are open to his leading he will lead you. I will continue to pray for the best for you and your family and that if it is God’s will, it will come to past. May you be continually blessed. In Christ Love, Dawn
Rich,
Thanks for sharing and opening my eyes to your wonderful goals and objectives. While I am not at the mentor level, certainly a willing student and love the outdoors and nature and seeing the wonders that God has created and shared with us.
Rick