Snapshots Don't Always Tell the Whole Story

Today I was pondering the way we glorify the lives other people live, and frequently, yet mistakenly believe their grass is greener.  The photos taken on a picture-perfect vacation with smiles and the appearances of close and loving family times are simply snapshots in time and not the whole event.  While the children are smiling in the photos and the vacation-esque backgrounds of beaches and boats and good times make us believe all is well, the truth is, the cameras aren’t out when the kids are screaming, and throwing tantrums.  No one is snapping photos when the adults are arguing, and tempers are flaring.  Anyone who has been on a family vacation knows that there are moments of tenseness and the exact opposite of relaxation.  Yet we snap the photos in those other  moments of bliss, and the façade is created.  It looks like a perfect time together.  The reality is however, it’s the same stuff of life – just different surroundings and a slower pace.  No one lives a picture-perfect life.  Everyone deals at some time with things not going well.  The keys are lost, the checkbook is overdrawn, the glass broken on the floor – life happens.  To all of us.  To think that someone else’s family “has it all together,” is really just Satan’s way of keeping us discontented.  The lesson of the day – be grateful.  Appreciate all of the wonderful moments – and yes – take pictures!  Remember and hold onto that which is good.  Those thoughts will sustain us through the rocky times.