My daughter is 11 and she wants to take her life "online". We have had many conversations about the pluses and minuses of being "plugged in" over the last year, but on Sunday she cried while sitting in the parking lot of Walmart, convinced that she is the only one that isn't allowed these privileges. Convinced that she would not or could not fit in with out Instagram, Facebook or texting.
I listened to her; did all I could do to make sure that she felt heard and understood. Sometimes, at those times, I start to question myself… am I being to strict, or even legalistic? So I decided to put it out there in my own "online" world to see what other parents were doing and I found that my daughter is certainly not the only one with out. At lunch I shared those comments with her, comments from her friends parents and I could see the truth give way to relief… she wasn't alone.
We talked a bit about how she had been deceived into thinking she was alone in this, and that it was only her parents that were being difficult. But that is often the way it goes, Satan is always trying to deceive us. He wanted to tempt her to go behind my back, he wanted to drive a wedge between us. Steal, kill and destroy that is his mantra. There are so many things I enjoy about connecting online with others, little peeks into their daily lives almost makes me feel like we are better friends than we are, but in truth I suppose that is just another deception. How many times have I logged out feeling lonely?
A phone conversation or sharing a cup of coffee, those are the moments that I really cherish.
Even as an adult… as a photographer, I struggle with the not so pretty side of an online life. Posting my "work" wondering if anyone will comment, comparing myself to other photographers and putting myself down, listening to that voice of discouragement that won't shut up! Wondering if I should hang it up and get a "real" job. These photos were taken on a night like that, next to tears I forced myself to get up and grab my camera and just shoot what I love.
After my talk with Melia, I realized that she wasn't the only one being deceived. I am allowing myself to be deceived too, every time I listen to that nagging voice that says "I'm not good enough".
I must remember that I am not wrestling against flesh and blood, remember that I am wonderfully and fearfully made, God's handiwork created to do good works. I am loved and cherished by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and He is all the "likes" and "comments" I really need.
I may not be the most technically correct or hip photographer out there, but I love what I do and more than that I truly love the people I serve. I pray for them before our shoot and while I edit their photos… and that is all because of Jesus. He loves each one of them you and it is Him working inside of me that makes me love and care about each of you too.
My prayer for 2015 is that you and I would both see ourselves through the eyes of our Savior.
Happy New Year!
www.3wishesphotography.com
cija@3wishesphotography.com
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