A photographer’s life is perilous. Not just when taking pictures of swamp-dwelling flamingos (or hungry tigers) but when “warmly invited” to take photos of Auntie Flo.
Seeking a perfect profile: a flamingo or choosy human. Which is easiest? One of those subjects has expectations and opinions- and will probably say “make sure you take my best side.” Here’s a clue: the flamingo doesn’t care. Or, generally, speak.
It’s why I prefer photographing flamingos. They don’t mind a bit (as long as they don’t think you want to eat them). Pardon my boast, but that pic is a near perfect profile.
Being photographed thrills some people and horrifies others! a “natural” model is free of self-consciousness, relaxing in front of the lens, and making almost any photographer look brilliant.
Auntie Flo, however, doesn’t feel comfortable as the centre of attention and is tense. She will probably hate most of the pictures you take, but watch out if you are foolish enough to criticise her appearance or dress sense. It’s like criticising her staple Fruit Cake she always brings to family gatherings- a very dangerous thing to do. Men have died for less.
Flo will definitely have a “best side” for photographs (even if you can’t tell any difference at all).
It’s basic human psychology: we all like to be liked, look good, and crucially to be identified. We have a meaning, a worth, a purpose- and we like that, in fact we need that recognition. To be thought of as beneath notice hurts our inner self. So we try and present our best side so people will “see” us and approve. It’s healthy to do this.
True friends, deep love-givers, are willing to accept us as we are (even at our worst). A true love is shown when they DO know the worst about us, but choose to love us anyway.
Love like this is beyond price. It’s the kind of love that Jesus shows to us. We don’t have to show only our best side; He knows us warts and all- and chooses to love us anyway.
A lot of our religious behaviour and activity is aimed at presenting our best side to God.
“See? I came to church last week, sang loudly, gave a big offering, and said nice things about Auntie Flo… so You will love me now. You will, won’t You?”
God sees through our “best side” approach and looks at the person within. 1 Samuel 16:6-7 is the classic example of this: Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This verse highlights that while humans often judge based on external factors, God evaluates the inner moral and spiritual state of a person. Our real “best side” is inside, where God is at work on our character and integrity.
Matthew 5:8 has these words by Jesus: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
When we are troubled, remember this: “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:17, the prayer of repentant David)
According to God, that honest repentance IS our best side.
The Reflectionary 