Intro
Hawaiʻi is famous for warm trade winds and sudden monsoon rain—but not for lightning. That’s why I stayed anyway. Between gray bands of rain, a single bolt cracked over Mokoliʻi, and the island lit up like a punctuation mark on the horizon. Some shots don’t happen until you’ve already decided to keep waiting.
Excerpt
“We cannot expect life to be a first-class experience unless we face some first-class challenges.” – Elder Neal A Maxwell
Notes from the Moment (BTS)
- Place: Windward Oʻahu, looking toward Mokoliʻi.
- Weather: Fast-moving cells; rain/sun/rain cadence.
- Approach: Pre-framed the island between bougainvillea and palms; stayed sheltered and watched the cloud build. Shot short bursts when thunder rolled; reviewed only after the storm passed.
- Tip: On days when odds look low, decide ahead of time how long you’ll stay. The decision to wait removes the temptation to quit early.
Perspective
Lightning over Mokoliʻi is a reminder that rarity isn’t impossibility. Breakthroughs often arrive in the minutes after most people pack up. The skill isn’t just technical; it’s endurance plus attention—staying present long enough for grace to show.
Practice (today, not someday)
- The “Ten More Minutes” rule: when you feel like leaving—stay ten more.
- Pre-frame & wait: set one composition and guard it. Let the moment walk into your frame.
- Write one sentence: “I’m still here because ______.” (Name your why.)
Final Reflection
Storms don’t always bring danger; sometimes they bring definition. Keep going. The bolt you’re waiting for may be one cloud away.
Pocket I’m Keeping
“Rarity is not a reason to quit—only a reason to stay.”
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