I love to take pictures. Put a camera in my hand, and I am immediately in my happy place. I think I like to take pictures because when I look through the lens of a camera, I am invited to see things from a different perspective than I would ordinarily see them. Instead of rushing through a place or a situation, a photographer is observant – always looking for a story – always looking for what everyone else is missing.
A good photographer is merely looking to get a good enough shot – capture the moment as everyone else sees it. A great photographer is looking for what no one else sees – the best shot! No photographer can get the “best shot” without sacrifice. Photographers must risk looking crazy, getting in the way, maybe even coming across as a bit pushy or bossy to get the best shot.
During this Lenten season, I wonder what we’re missing because we’re settling for a good shot and not looking for the best shot. What would we see if we stepped outside of our comfort zones? What we see if we sacrificed our own wants for the desires of God in our lives/hearts/churches/communities? What space might we make for others if we see what God sees? What might we be missing because we are looking with our natural eyes instead of through the lens of the Holy Spirit? Who or what is God trying to show us? How is God trying to shape us?
In the “love chapter” of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13, The Message translation teaches us:
“We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.” – I Corinthians 13:12-15
Take some time today to pray and to look around and #see what you’re missing. Ask God to give you a different perspective on situations in your life. Ask God to show you things the way that God sees them. Seek a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit. Take the scenic route. Don’t settle for a good enough shot. Ask God to give you eyes to #see the best shot!
May grace, peace, love, and fresh perspective abound!
Jasmine Rose Smothers 