CREEDE HINSHAW: Hello beauty, goodbye camera

I regretted that I took that snapshot. I shouldn’t have done it.

Did I invade somebody’s privacy? No. Did I rudely interrupt a touching family scene? No. Did I cross some line of photography etiquette? No.

I shouldn’t have taken the shot for reasons far more spiritual in nature.

It was about 5:40 p.m. earlier this week when I walked out of the health club after four games of racquetball followed by a shower. Intending my next stop to be the grocery, I exited through the gym doors purposefully, hand already on my car keys.

But on the front steps I found myself frozen at the scene before me. The sun was setting in the west, half of the fiery orb glowing on the horizon, the rest of the sky, as far as I could see, dotted with ochre clouds, a stunning, celestial pink version of Frank L. Baum’s brick road. I must have stopped in mid-stride, overcome by the incredible beauty that was given to me in that moment.

And then, beyond all reason, I reached for my phone. I have tried to take enough of these photos to know they cannot capture the glory seen by the human eye. But I pulled out the phone anyway, quickly trying to take two or three shots before the moment disappeared.

When I finally got home, now in darkness, I began thinking about that moment. The photos, as expected, were less than satisfying. But the regrets came not because of the camera’s inability. My regret came because I had failed to simply enjoy and receive the moment.

God gives us incredible gifts on a regular basis. It might be the sunrise, the sunset or the blazing autumn color of a particular leaf. Even greater gifts are given in the smile of our children or grandchildren or the gathering of family or friends.

Of course, some of these moments are worthy of photography. But many of the events of life, the gifts that come unexpected and undeserved, ought to be enjoyed and appreciated without trying to vainly capture them.

I have posted my share of photos of food and trips on social media. But maybe I would have been better served simply to savor the meal and the friends. This camera most of us carry in purse or pocket is destroying our ability to appreciate, to taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

If I had it to do over again, I would have simply stood on that front step, transfixed. I would have tried to be oblivious to the parking lot and the coming or going and to enjoy the palette set before me. I would have breathed a prayer of gratitude to the God of all creation who is always desirous of giving us good gifts.

I won’t get a redo on that moment. But there will be many others. And I’ll try to be better prepared to receive and enjoy the goodness of God in the present moment. Hello, beauty; goodbye, camera.

Email Creede Hinshaw at [email protected].