Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Now we see in part...

There are just things in life that we can't do justice to.

Like a sunset.

I saw one the other night that was this blazing display of power and beauty that nearly took my breath away.
My hand instinctively went to the camera that was conveniently at my side. But it stopped short of feeling the familiar weave of the strap.

I thought about shutter speeds and tripods. I briefly tried to throw together a plan to freeze this awe inspiring sight in a tangible form.

I looked at Dave. He shook his head. "You won't do it justice. I've tried before". So I took his hand instead and we just watched as the fiery dusk turned to a murky dark.

We have some photos of decent depictions of sunrises and sunsets. Dave particularly does well at scenic shots such as these. But we know, even as we look at them, that these images fall short of the real thing.


I've been thinking alot about that lately.



As I am faced with the beauty and pain of this world, this fallen world, I just think of what a poor rendition what we see is compared to "the real thing". The world God intended this to be. The world it will be again.

Those moments of pure, unadulterated sweetness on this earth - they are nothing compared to all of the good that is in store for us! That's hard for me to fathom.

I think of that little gazebo in Iowa when Dave got down on his knee and asked me to enter into this life with him forever. My heart had never known that feeling. Being pursued, really wanted. It was new and exhilerating and exciting. I felt so valued and saught after.


I think of the breathless adrenaline filled moments of meeting tiny people who God has gifted us with. Our children coming into the world.

Watching a sunset.

Connecting on a deep level with a dear friend.

Breathing in the scent of sweet roses on a summer day - sunshine spilling over our shoulders like a warm hug.

All of these things, as lovely as they may be, are just like holding a simple print of a sunset instead of beholding its authentic beauty in person.


And then there's the pain... Well, it stings and it shakes us.

It's hard to take.

Yet I feel God leading me to scripture verses that continually show me that this is not home. It's as if he is telling me, "Oh how I wish you could see the bigger picture. Trust me; this is such a little dot in the time line of eternity. Hang in there - stay solid and grounded in me.

                                                                            Just wait till you see the real thing! It'll be worth it."

7 comments:

Beth in NC said...

What a beautiful post. Yes, I can identify with wanting to capture a lovely moment on film, but it never happens.

Bless you!
Beth

Andrea said...

I had that verse on my heart too - although for different reasons :) http://woodland-heart.blogspot.com/2011/05/this-is-my-story.html

The Sneaky Mommy said...

Beautiful!

Susan said...

Hi Wendi,

That is a beautiful verse, and your thoughts capture it even if the picture of a beautiful sunset couldn't.

The KJV says:

1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

I looked up the word "darkly" in Strongs and it says "ainigma" which translates into "obscured" or "distorted"

and if we look at the definition for the English word enigma (which is derived from the Greek word above) we get:

1. One that is puzzling, ambiguous, or inexplicable.
2. A perplexing speech or text; a riddle.

There is so much that is wrong in this world, the evil workers, corruption, innjustices,& etc, and sometimes I find it overwhelming. You are so blessed to have your hubby at your side, and such lovely children!

Thanks for the lovely posts and pictures :)

Penny said...

I think you and I have been on the same wavelength lately then. =) This is temporary, even though at times it seems so long and often painful. This is the worst we will ever see...and in the times of joy, that's quite an amazing feeling.

Arlona said...

Wow!You have such a gift for writing and photography besides being a wonderful wife, mother, sister, daughter-in-law, etc. I thank God for you. You are beautiful inside and outside. Love you.

Arlona said...

Aunt Edith used this blog post at the cemetery when we had our memorial time on Saturday at the grave of our parents and our oldest sister. Thanks for having a part in our "service".