I love to scrapbook. Special events in my life are always marked with pictures so memories will not be forgotten. I’ve heard my children tell stories of their past because they remembered seeing the pictures. I took pictures of important times and pictures of everyday life in our home. I had more opportunities this week to take pictures as we celebrated my husband’s Grandma’s 90th birthday. It was a lot of fun making memories. Over the years, though, I realize that I’m not in the pictures much since I’m the picture taker.

All of that changed for me when it was time to have my picture taken for the back of my book. Suddenly, I was on the other side of the camera and it felt very funny. I felt like I was in the spotlight. The photographer at one point even told me I needed to relax; after all, it was just a picture. I began to imagine what all these people feel throughout the years as I would ask them for a picture. They would say, “Susan, I really don’t want to do this.” I would then reply, “It’s just a picture.” Oh, how those words came back to haunt me! My perception was very different on the opposite side of the camera lens.

Life is a lot like that at times. Important events will happen that will shape and mold us instantly and we will remember them forever. The picture of these events might forever be hanging in our minds. Likewise, our everyday pictures are being taken continually in our minds and those pictures are shaping and molding us. We react to the situation according to our perspectives (which side of the camera lens we are located). Ultimately, the picture will be taken one way or another.  We must ask ourselves the question, “Will we be the one to say ‘cheese’, or will we be the one saying, “It’s just a picture”?

How are you reacting to the current situation in your life? Can you comfortable say “cheese”, or are you the one squirming awkwardly being told, “It’s just a picture”?

© 2013 Susan M. Sims

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