Snapshots

He stands in the hot sun. Photographer Jon is waiting for the perfect action shot– a little camper swinging from the trapeze and splashing into the pond. Pure thrill and joy caught on camera. A picture that is then lovingly placed in the camper’s photo album. A memory. A snapshot of a time and place that was magical. Like a gift, something to be savored over and over.

Another photo, this one taken of Allie, is a reflection in the mirror as she imagines herself as a fashion designer. She may glance at that same picture hundreds of times in the coming years, remembering the kind words her counselor gave her: “God sees the beauty that lies inside you. Yes, you look beautiful in this gown, but God sees beauty in you even if you wear rags.”

Miss Suzanne clicks her camera as the sound of hammers on nails clang all around her. Captured is a picture of young Mary, face and hands covered in blue paint. She grins next to Mr. Terry, his cheeks displaying her small hand prints in the same bright blue paint. Without a doubt, Mary will proudly show her silly moment to others when she gets home, and she will laugh as she recalls Mr. Terry’s willingness to play along.

The power of these snapshots cannot be emphasized enough. They allow these children to repeatedly recall the very real people who love them at camp and the God we all serve.