A cup half-full... of sunshine

Every snapshot is a true picture

and every snapshot is focused on just one part of the whole.

In all life there is more to the picture - even if it's the addition of an unseen

photographer behind a camera. 

A wider angle usually includes clues to the big picture - more to the story:

toys, dirty socks, trash, unfinished projects, open books strewn across a table...

the one child not interested in participating, a broken part, dust bunnies.

You don't always see those things when the presented perspective is zoomed in.

It's not that the idyllic image is untrue, 

but rather, only a part of a much bigger picture.

I am not being deceptive when I focus in on the beautiful.  the noble.  the best part

of  my own bigger picture, it's just that I see dirty socks every day.  I am well aware

of all things in the "strewn" category (which encompasses more than books),

and these days I have so many dust bunnies I hardly notice them at all!

But I can always use more practice seeing 

the best and most lovely part of the picture.

You know... not the wide angle view -  the part where my children forgot to wipe

the counters when they cleaned the kitchen...

but the sweet part where they did the  whole chore while enjoying each other

and filling the room with laughter..

Not the far-back vantage where fort-building materials are as rubble in my living room...

but the look-a-little-closer perspective to see that some thoughtful souls 

remembered to pick up the books,

getting them onto a bookcase beyond reach of book-ravaging babies.

...{Thank you dear ones.  Thanks for noticing and taking care of it )...

Not the mud tracked in...

but the fist of flowers ceremoniously presented.

Not the hammer left in the driveway...

but the groceries unloaded and put away.

Not the schoolwork I didn't correct...

but the math books with every page completed. 

Not the refrigerator which needs a good scrubbing out...

but the strawberries for dinner.

Not today's weather forecast for "partially cloudy"...

but tomorrow's prediction for "partially sunny".

See, the clouds are there whether it's partially cloudy or partially sunny.

But so is the sun.

The only real difference is what you choose to pay attention to.

Take heart beloved!  There is a real story behind every lovely picture. 

(and incidentally a mud tracked floor is not a shameful part of the picture.

It's a real {oh so very real} part, but not the piece I wish to magnify)

I will encourage you that our "bigger picture" is full of real life ant invasions, dust bunnies,

sticky spills, underwear left on the bathroom floor and water splashed on the walls.

Our people are imperfect.

As with any good, wholesome perspective of a partially sunny day,

we have lots to celebrate and so we do!  

Not from fear of letting people see the grit for themselves,

but from a  heart full to the brim 

and splashing over with grateful appreciation 

for the sunshine.

"Finally brethren, 

whatsoever things are true, 

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report,

if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,

think on these things."

Philippians 4:8