Always Take the Picture

One thing I’ve truly appreciated about my husband this summer is the time he’s devoted to paying attention to the ecosystem around our home. Morning or night, after a short walk with his faithful companion, he’d take five to ten minutes to really look — to seek out the beauty (and sometimes the not-so-beautiful) in our yard.  He has a talent with a camera, and I’ve loved the moments he’s captured. I hope, during those quiet times, he found space to reflect — because let’s be honest, our life isn’t exactly quiet thanks to all the animals we share it with. I’d often catch myself watching from the kitchen window, excited to see what he’d find next. His Facebook posts were full of likes and comments, as my science guy shared snapshots of things many people have probably never seen before.

Now, let me tell you — I’m an iPhone user for life. And he has a Google Pixel. While I’ll always believe my iPhone is superior to his silly Android, I have to admit: his camera, and his eye for capturing a moment, is truly stunning. But even without the best camera, I always say: go back and take the picture.  On one of my travel days this summer, I saw one of God’s most majestic creatures — in my humble opinion — the bald eagle. He was perched high in a tree, and as I drove past, I hesitated. I don’t want to be late. Is it silly to turn around? Will people think something’s wrong?  But I did it anyway. I found a little spot to turn around, and I went back. Not just to take a picture — though I did — but to spend a few minutes appreciating just how magnificent that creature really is. After a while, he flew on, powerful and effortless, his massive wings slicing through the air. I stood there a little longer, in awe.  And it made me wonder: what else are we missing, day after day, because we believe we’re too busy to stop and look?  I hope you:

Find the time.

Make the time.

Enjoy the beauty God has created all around us.