Is A Picture Really Worth More Than A Thousand Words? 1/4/2006

 Good Morning,

I just filled my mug with Door County White Christmas Coffee and it is time to write.

In the past few years my wife Rene and I have traveled a little more than we have in the past. We have seen some beautiful scenery that had us viewing it with our mouths hanging open. The trips in our mind were awesome and each minute was filled with great experiences. We took plenty of photographs and now and then I browse through the pictures and say to myself, "that was great, but not as good as being there". 

Psalm 19:1 ESV The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 

A photo does not capture the conversation of the moment, nor the emotion of the viewer experiencing the view. I am not knocking photographers at all. But they really can't capture a moment and the emotions going on at the time. They do a great job, but can't take your breath away like being in the moment does. 

God could have easily made the world and all of it's scenery in a cookie cutter fashion. Each country would look the same as the others. He did not have to add mountains, waterfalls, beaches, or sunsets. 

But He did. And He knew what day you would be standing at a waterfall in Hawaii or in the mountains in Georgia. He knew just when He was going to take your breath away. He knew what day three cardinals would be dining near your kitchen window. He knew who you would be sharing those moments with. A picture does not capture feelings, but being there does. He knew what morning you would be sharing a pond of water with a deer and it's fawn. 

Friends, take lots of pictures. But when the moment allows, spend a few minutes longer taking it in. Absorb the sounds, the fragrances, and then look and see the emotions of the others around you. 

As we have traveled, I enjoy what I am seeing, but I really enjoy seeing the expressions on the faces of those I am with. They are priceless and a photo just isn't the same as the real thing. 

My friends, enjoy the scenes of your life and remember Who just painted your world at that moment in time. God bless. 

Marty