Pose. Click. Snap.
I love taking pictures. My little never-still-always-thinking-sorta-creative little mind is always wanting to capture the moment.
This past week, I found myself getting to spend time with several friends on different occasions enjoying hot chocolate, football and even some Bible study. I found PEACE in the matter of just being still with friends.
A cup of hot chocolate with a beautiful whipped-topping heart on top presented to me by the barista.
A journal full of ideas.
A collection of favorite things displayed on my mantle.
A candid shot of my girls.
A secret photo of my parents reading their Bibles.
I love capturing these memories.
Sometimes the subjects don’t like their photos taken. They may give in, but there’s always an “oh my goodness, I don’t look good today.” They may just outright refuse to let their picture be taken. Or if you’re like my daughters, delete, delete, delete until the semi-approved picture is snapped.
I’m the same way. I am very critical of pictures taken of me. I usually try to think about the pose that will make my chin not look so doubled, or intentionally “suck in my gut” right on the count of three.
Sometimes I try to stand on the end of a group photo instead of the middle but even on the end a specific angle can make that toosh of mine seem even bigger. I fluff my hair and pat down my sweater. I check my eye liner and touch up my lipstick.
We forget that it’s not about the appearance but rather capturing the memory – the heart of the moment. Man sees the appearance. But the photographer sees the story.
Just like the story in 1 Samuel 16. Samuel was looking to anoint the next King and God told him that he would find him in the appointed place. Jesse sent all of his sons through the process except the little one. When Eliab came through, Samuel thought he was the one. But God told Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Then God spoke to Samuel and told him to have Jesse bring in the youngest son, David.
He wasn’t what the public would think was the proper king because he was so young and had been out tending sheep. But God told Samuel to “rise and anoint him. He is the one.” (I Samuel 16:12b)
God doesn’t look at the outward appearance but at our hearts. I’m thankful for that! Especially on the days my hair is sticking straight up, thick bifocal glasses sliding down my nose dawning my favorite, comfy, ragged, old sweatshirt.
God loves us just as we are. We don’t need to suck it in or smooth it down. We don’t need to clean it up or get it right. No need to pose or count to three. He wants us. He wants our hearts. Just as we are.
Ask Him into your heart today and be a part of His family picture.
