The Snapshot Says It All

The Snapshot Says It All

In the summertime, when the kids are out of school, moms everywhere are looking for Vacation Bible Schools, Backyard Bible Clubs, summer camps, and activity camps.  I am not sure it is quite so much to keep the kids occupied, as it is to keep the moms sane. Our Mississippi grands were in theater camp earlier this summer.  Our daughter-in-love, Nicole, sent us the most precious snapshot of the kids on opening night.

The play was Sleeping Beauty, with the two older granddaughters, Amelia and Evie, playing fairies, deer, and doing narration, and our grandson, Gabe, playing the young prince.  All had stellar performances, and Gabe had been a big hit with his superb acting skills, even for a three year old.  Evidently he had done so well that, in true sibling competitiveness, Amelia had suggested he might not need to go next year because he got so much attention as one of the youngest in the play.

The snapshot of the children, however, told a totally different story from Sleeping Beauty.  Amelia, loving the camera and wanting to please, posed as if she were eighteen instead of eight.  Evie, who marches to her own drum, had her arms folded and was not looking at the camera at all.  Gabe, who had been a prince long enough, was making muscles for the camera in his prince suit, with his mouth open.  The picture said it all:  Each child is unique, with strengths and challenges, regardless of the costume he or she is wearing.  Proverbs 20:11 reminds us that Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work is pure, whether it is right.

If God were to take a snapshot of us, right now, what would the snapshot say about us, regardless of our costumes?  What behavior or mindset would show through the pose of the moment?  Does our Sunday snapshot line up with our Monday lifestyle?  Or is it obvious that I am just playing a role?  Lifestyle outs your heart much more than words.  If even a child is known by his doings, how much more accountable are we as adults to make sure that our lives line up with our words, our costumes, and our roles?

Lord, help me to be instant, in season and out of season.  Father, make me a doer of the Word and not just a hearer or a spouter only.  Father, help my doings to reflect my being, and help my being to be a reflection of You.

© 2011 Gerry Sisk

(08/17/11)

Note:  The children in the picture are really Gerry's grandchildren, Amelia, Gabe & Evie.