Timeless Values for a Fulfilling Life: Love, Humility, and Community

Timeless values are critical! In a world that constantly pushes us to chase success, measure our worth by material achievements, and conform to ever-changing trends, it’s no surprise that many of us feel unfulfilled.

We hear messages like:

“Follow your passion, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
“Hard work guarantees success.”
“You must be completely self-reliant.”
“Your worth is measured by material success.”

These ideas sound inspiring, but when we fully embrace them, they can leave us feeling stressed, alone, and exhausted—especially when success doesn’t come as easily as promised.

After more than 40 years of focusing mostly on myself, I’ve realized I need a different foundation—one built on God’s timeless values that don’t shift with the latest trends.

I chose Love, Humility, and Community because these values are deeply rooted in something unchanging. They have given my life deeper meaning and transformed my approach to work, relationships, and personal growth.

My Journey: When Hard Work Wasn’t Enough

As a photographer, I started because I loved it—I was passionate about it! But does passion mean it never feels like work? Not at all.

Running a photography business involves more than just capturing beautiful moments. Cold calling, marketing, invoicing, and writing proposals take up over 60% of my time.

At one point, I sent out 148 cold-call emails for a photography project. I spent days crafting personalized messages, expecting at least a few responses. How many clients did I get? Zero.

I had also invested thousands in new camera gear, hoping it would help my business grow. But for six months, I had no clients.

By the world’s standards, I was failing. I was working hard, following my passion, and yet I had nothing to show for it. I felt like a loser.

The problem is that worldly values are unreliable. They shift, and when we fall short, they leave us feeling broken. That’s why I started seeking values that are eternal—values that don’t change.

You don’t have to be religious to appreciate values that are timeless and true. And you don’t have to be religious to benefit from them.

Here are a few Biblical values that anyone can embrace:

Love and Compassion
Justice and Righteousness
Mercy and Forgiveness
Humility and Servanthood
Truth and Integrity
Community

The three values I chose for my life are Love, Humility, and Community.

1. Love: The Foundation of Everything

For most of my life, I thought love had to be earned. Loving a stranger seemed ridiculous—maybe even dangerous. I guarded my heart, only letting in those who “deserved” it. Even family members could fall out of favor.

But the more I opened my heart, the more I realized how wrong I was.

Seeing others with love changes everything. When someone is rude, I remind myself—they’re hurting, just like I’ve been. We all have bad days. If someone cuts me off in traffic, I can get angry—or I can remember the times I’ve done the same thing by accident. Did that make me a bad person? Of course not.

Seeing people through love helps me be more patient and understanding. I fail at this probably 80% of the time, but I’m working on it. And when I go the extra mile for someone—a stranger, a client, a friend—I feel more fulfilled.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs…” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

How Love Impacts My Photography:

I go the extra mile for clients—not just for the money, but because I care.
I capture moments that tell a story, not just ones that look “perfect.”
I treat everyone I work with—clients, vendors, and fellow artists—with kindness.

2. Humility: Finding Peace in Gratitude

This one is tough for me. When something good happens, I want to take all the credit—whether it’s a great photo I’ve taken or just having a good hair day.

There’s nothing wrong with being proud of your work. But when pride takes over, it can turn into arrogance. And arrogance leads to comparison, which leads to jealousy. If we’re always boasting, how do we think it makes others feel when they’re struggling?

Humility reminds me that success isn’t just about hard work. It’s about circumstances—where we were born, who we know, and sometimes just plain luck. But more than that, I believe there’s a purpose behind everything. Even our mistakes and hardships can be used for good.

Psalm 23 says, “I shall not want.” That’s a lesson I need to tattoo on my forehead. I constantly want more—more clients, more opportunities. But wanting more often leads to stress and frustration. Instead, I try to step back, take a breath, and appreciate the blessings I already have.

How Humility Shapes My Work:

I recognize that success is not just about effort—it’s also about God’s timing and opportunity.
I focus on improving my craft instead of competing with others.
I celebrate small wins instead of only chasing big achievements.

3. Community: The Power of Connection

I’ve always been a lone wolf. As an only child, I grew up independent. I played Monopoly by myself. And on many vacations, my closest friends were my teddy bears. I convinced myself I didn’t need anyone.

I was wrong.

Having a community—people who support you, challenge you, and walk through life with you—is priceless. I’ve found an amazing artist community, and though it’s small, my goal is to grow it and give back to others.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

We are stronger together.

How Community Has Transformed My Life:

I’ve found support in the artist and photography community.
I’ve learned that collaboration is more powerful than competition.
I now seek ways to support and uplift others in their journeys.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Values That Last

The world tells us to chase success, wealth, and recognition. But these things don’t always bring lasting fulfillment.

Instead, I choose to focus on Love, Humility, and Community—values that remain constant, no matter what life brings.

These values have transformed my photography journey, my relationships, and my personal growth. I may not have mastered them, but I am committed to growing every day.

If you’re on a similar journey, I’d love to connect. Let’s build a community that supports and uplifts each other.

To read more about embracing an Artistic Community, visit my blog post here. If you are inspired by timeless values, I highly recommend checking out Pastor Ric’s sermon on values.