Legacies of Love
One of my favorite things to do is look at people’s wedding photos. Whenever I visit someone for the first time, if I can fit it into the conversation, I ask to see their wedding album. As a wedding photographer, I love seeing other people’s work and learning from what I see. More than that though, I enjoying taking a peek into a couple’s special day. Weddings are a reflection of the couple and the photographs, regardless of how staged or candid they are, play a part in that reflection. Some wedding photos get passed down through generations and are part of a family’s legacy. There are times, as a photographer, when I’m listening to the same songs at a reception and my feet and body are tired from carrying my gear all day, that I wish I was home in bed with my dog. Then I remember the weight of what I do. I think about the photographers before me, whose work I’ve admired and realize that I’m part of this legacy. What I create will be looked at for generations.
Remembering the weight of what I do has actually impacted my life outside of work. I think oftentimes, we can just live our lives without considering that every action and word we speak has eternal implications. Matthew 5:14-16 reminds us of this, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
We were created to be a light to those around us so that others may glorify God. This isn’t an easy charge; it’s a weighty call and I fail it daily. It’s so easy to forget, when we’re in traffic or someone says something rude that our lives leave a legacy behind. It’s so easy to choose the gut response of retaliation instead of choosing kindness and grace. Yet, I think we all want to be remembered fondly. We want our lives to have a positive impact to those around us.
So here’s my encouragement to you: let’s remember that our lives leave a legacy and let’s try and make it a good one. Let’s choose love and the interest of others over ourselves. Let’s say hi to people at the grocery store and smile while we’re on our walks. Let’s not live life in such a rush but take every moment as a gift. Let’s encourage those around us to do the same. Let’s all leave legacies of love behind that transform the world we’re living in.
Rebecca Lee is a photographer based in New England. When she’s not photographing newlyweds, she works as the Communications Director for her church. Nothing excites Rebecca more than exploring new places with friends, whether locally or abroad, except maybe a Miami Dolphin’s football game.