The unedited value of the ordinary in photos

The unedited value of the ordinary in photos

It is tempting with old pictures to crop out the average, insignificant parts of our memories.

Not all of the details of life are pretty.

With time and perspective we notice things that we were unaware of at the time. Details are impossible to see all at once.

I know that sometimes I want to cut out the stuff that isn’t, flattering, or seemingly useful.

But I risk cutting out things that make up a vivid life upon closer inspection.

Certainly we know people whose lives fray with messy edges. Sometimes, we are those people.

Zoom Out, Then Zoom In To See Life’s Details.

I’ll share an example: I came across this photo from a long-ago family Christmas. Just an average snapshot of life, for a regular family.

Life was not all rosy for them.

And yet…yet, there is so much beauty that was certainly missed the first time this picture was viewed.

The value of “real” holiday pictures isn’t the phony poses and spiffy smiles.

We almost miss the value of the ordinary

This picture hides many layers that seem to make an average shot, but there is more…

• I notice my grandma’s beauty. She is about my current age here, all festive in red. I know how hard she budgeted to make this day special
• I see my aunt Kathy, only 11 years older than me. Just my daughter’s current age and I wonder how that could be! I remember how much care she gave to me as a child. Responsibility for me
• My grandparent’s three-legged Siamese cat Sammy lounges under the table, and I recall how I would rub that silky fur
• The tree in the corner, placed on a tiered stand my carpenter grandpa built
• Shiny little girl hair, once mine crowns a happy child’s head
• A high chair in the back would have held my younger cousins. I smile as I remember our antics and adventures
• Grandpa leans back in his chair, always the same chair…head of the table. In his everyday white t-shirt. He loved to watch the festivities on holidays

The value of the ordinary is all in the details

I know the layout of this house, though I haven’t seen it in a few decades. I see the black doorknobs and remember how the paint gathered near the old locks.

The craftsman style built-in behind Grandpa. There was a pantry behind that wall. I remember the feel of the huge vent on the floor just to the left out of sight. How I would stand over it and watch it blow my clothing with delight.

Behind us there would be a coffee table with delights only out at Christmas. A bowl of nuts, walnuts were my favorite. Ribbon candy.

The value of the ordinary is what is almost unseen

There is so much unseen, but not insignificant. An average home, a regular family. All playing parts in the fabric of my family tapestry.

There were frayed threads. Ugly spills.

Oh, but the final product. What a treasure!

Don’t crop out the small things. They are building upon each other to capture something that isn’t finished yet…

Christmas Resources to encourage you:

• One of our favorite movies about Christmas expectations-Christmas With The Kranks
• God Hears Her, A Joyful Christmas: 31 Morning and Evening Devotions
• The Great Christmas Bowl
• Have Yourself a Minimalist Christmas: Slow Down, Save Money & Enjoy a More Intentional Holiday
• Our Christmas Story: A Modern Christmas Memory Book 
• Why the Nativity?: 25 Compelling Reasons We Celebrate the Birth of Jesus
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