Life…Joy and Pain

Why do we take pictures?  To record a special moment, to track the growth of our children…to help us remember.

I don’t always take the time to ponder the importance of the pictures that take, but recently I gave thought to the photos that I took last fall of a baby’s birth and how since then the young father has been diagnosed with lymphoma.  And as I sat at my desk editing a recent wedding, I looked at the groom’s portraits a bit differently realizing that he has a kidney disease, the same disease that shortened the life of his mother.  But it’s not just these instances…life if precious.  Each breath we take is a gift from God.  Eternity is so much closer than we allow ourselves to think about.

Looking forward to eternity and yet living life here on earth.  How do we face the future?  Some of my broken thoughts…savor the moment…yet this life is filled with so much pain…have joy in each day…but sometime we’re overcome with fear…  Recently, I was blessed as I read the accounts of Jesus’ final moments here on earth.  Jesus knew what was ahead…He KNEW pain and death were ahead of Him, but He still took the time to encourage His disciples with these words, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33  As we live in this broken world we can walk through the pain AND the joy with Christ.

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On another note, if you’re like me, I don’t get in many pictures with my boys.  It’s easy to snap away behind the camera and miss out on being in a picture with them.  So, I’ve decided to purposely take pictures with my little guys…maybe on a timer or as in the case below set the camera up and let them push the button!  It’s just an attempt to help me remember and savor the moment!

Months ago when Jeff and Stephanie planned their wedding for February, 2014, little did they know that we’d be in the middle of one of the longest and hardest winters for a very long time!  But wouldn’t you know, they hit one of the most beautiful days possible during the entire winter!  Unbelievable!  It was gorgeous…the sun was shining and it was just warm enough that being outside was doable!

The ceremony and reception took place in the Maple Room at the Westerville Community Center.  The room had tall windows, which made for beautiful lighting!

Jeff and Stephanie, the Lord bless you as you start your married life and seek to live for Him!  Love and hugs!