05.03
Have you ever seen a photo of a shirtless father holding his naked newborn child? There are several hanging in Phipps Plaza. Skin against skin. Very cool shots. My friend, Bryan, has a three week old son and wanted to have a similar picture made with his son. The day came for the shoot and all was going well. Garrett, his son, was in a great mood. Everyone was having a great time and the photographer was capturing some picture perfect moments. Then, in the middle of the shoot, Garrett started having a bowel movement all over Bryan. Bryan quickly picked Garrett up, saving the day, only to have Garrett start peeing into Bryan’s mouth. Gross! The shoot went from picture perfect to picture awful.
Once everyone got cleaned up, the photographer wrapped up the morning with some great shots of Bryan and Garrett. But the events of that morning are etched into Bryan’s memory.
It’s easy to admire photographs and not see the behind the scenes turmoil that it takes to make them happen. The same is true of our lives. We present cleaned up pictures and don’t show people what’s going on behind the scenes. That’s why Jesus begins Matthew 6 by reminding us not to be fake. He knows the danger of presenting a picture perfect life. He warns us not to give, pray, or fast to be seen by men. If you’re like me, it’s easy to slip into ‘Picture Perfect Mode,’ letting people see our successes without pointing out our struggles and messes.
Jesus’ teachings remind me to show my flaws and messes as much (or more) than my successes. It keeps me ‘authentic’ to others. So how about making this commitment for the week… the next time the world messes on you, be careful to tell the whole story to others. Don’t let them only see the picture perfect moment at the end.
Have you ever encountered someone who was genuine and authentic, sharing their mess, as well as their success? Post a comment about how s/he affected you.
