A Cross in the sky. (Chicago skyline, 1990).
Today I am 89 years old.
That sounds impressive until you consider the fact that if I live to the age of 100 I have already used up 89 percent of my life!
That doesn't mean I'm pessimistic. I'm looking forward to whatever time I may have left. There are still miles I haven't driven and photographs I haven't made. In fact I have a standing offer from my publisher to do a Backroads and Byways of Tennessee book, but Louise is too worried about me being out on the road all those days and nights, plus her health is up and down, so I need to stick around here.
But I'm content. I've had a full life. I feel privileged to have had a long career as a professional photographer (even though I probably would have made more money if I had stayed with teaching) and I'm grateful for all the places my cameras have taken me and the experiences I've had.
I'm even more privileged (and blessed) to have shared my life and many of my travels with the lovely Louise Devlin Jenkins. Our great-grandchildren count is now up to ten, with another on the way!
I do have some health issues. Next week I'm going for tests that may reveal that the problem with my feet and legs is poor circulation. That may lead to surgery, which I would welcome. We'll see.
Whatever may happen, I give all credit to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Gospel is simple and straightforward: Jesus Christ is God, who came in a human body. He died a sacrificial death that paid the penalty for all my sins -- past, present, and future. When I acknowledged myself to be a sinner and received him by faith as my savior, he saved me (John 1:12). He will save anyone who comes to him on those terms. That means you -- whoever and wherever you are.
I hope to have many more years to enjoy life, Louise, our family, and photography. But if not, my future is secure.
Photo of the Chicago skyline: Olympus OM2n camera, Fujichrome 100D film.
If you like my pictures, visit my online gallery at https://davejenkins.pixels.com/
Signed copies of my book Backroads and Byways of Georgia
are available. The price is $22.95 plus $4.95 shipping. My PayPal
address is djphoto@vol.com (which is also my email). Or you can mail a check to 8943
Wesley Place, Knoxville, TN 37922. Include your address and tell me how
you would like your book inscribed.
Text and photographs copyright David B. Jenkins 2026.
I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.
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