29 Jul Christina, Breathtaking Moments

Words have always seemed inadequate to describe Christina, and I do admit to being a bit partial, but this one comes close:

BREATHTAKING

Webster’s dictionary defines it like this:

breath·tak·ing
Adjective
Astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one’s breath away.

As you have probably caught on by now, Christina and I love photography and I recently have had ample time as I sit by her side to study photos and reflect on the emotions they evoke. “Breathtaking” always come to mind when I view this photo, as well as when I spend time with its subject. The following story describes one of those many breathtaking moments God has blessed me with through her presence.

Awake before dawn, 8 year old Christina and I crept quietly out of our Colorado cabin so as to not wake the rest of the family as we slipped into our brown Isuzu Trooper and navigated the back roads of Colorado in search of the Mexico border. With road signs alerting us to the danger of mountain lions we savored our adventure in comfort while listening to the rich classical guitar music by Vivaldi. We were going fishing. I smile as I recall my obsession of equipping Christina with “amazing” fishing outfits. Sun protecting hats, fishing vest, quick drying shorts, waterproof shoes – if Patagonia made it, she was wearing it. Upon reaching this trophy trout fishing mecca, we exchanged greetings with our capable guide and our fishing adventure began. Perched in a drift boat, suspended between heaven and earth in the crystal clear waters of the San Juan River that escape from the Navajo Dam, the picture I saw before me was every father’s dream – I witnessed the look of awe in my young daughter’s eyes as we worked together to land this mammoth-sized 24″ plus rainbow trout.

Snared by a tiny midge, barely the size of the fingernail on Christina’s pinkie, this large egg-carrying female fish fulfilled our wishes for a thrilling catch. After the obligatory petting of the fish and hasty photo session, our experienced guide released this wonder of nature back into the frigid waters of the San Juan.

Someone once said, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

Christina makes everyday breathtaking because of her faith in God who breathed into each of us the breath of life.

“The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.”
Job 33:4