Train Surprise
Canon 5D Mark ll, 24-70 2.8L, 2.8 aperture, 1/125 shutter, 100 ISO
I find it so appropriate that a train came by while I was shooting Johnny’s last prom today. It seemed to represent the way I was feeling. I was watching time pass right before my eyes, powerless to stop it, just like the train racing behind them.
John Mayer has written a song that describes this feeling perfectly for me. It is called Stop This Train. If you haven’t heard it, I encourage you to give it a listen. Although it makes me sad, it helps to bring perspective to my life. Time does keep moving. We are on a linear path, with a beginning and an end. It seems we don’t appreciate the beginning or the middle most of the time, until we are nearing the end. Strange how that is. We don’t like it, being tethered to this one-way course. I think it is because we were not made for it. Before the fall of mankind in the Garden, we were to live forever. But now, we are bound to time. We can only travel one way, and we ride the train mindlessly sometimes, forgetting that our best moments are happening right now. Right now. But right now often slips away while we worry about what is happening next.
I think these thoughts as I watch Johnny with his sweet girl, Kayla, dance around with balloons in their prom attire. Childhood and adulthood embrace. My heart squeezes tight and I drink in the moment. Stop this train. I cannot stop it, but I can slow it down in by being grateful in the moment. “Thank you, Lord , for this boy-man I see before me”, my heart whispers. I lift my eyes to the God who is not bound by time. I can feel the passengers move a little slower, with my breathing, my beating heart. I take the picture with my camera and my mind. I will remember this.
Trying to take life in smaller but more flavor-filled portions. If life were food, I think I would use chopsticks instead of a fork. I want it to last as long as possible.
Psalm 90:12 ~ “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Taking in the Moment
For You
Happy
Life is Good
Adorable
6 Comments
Oh WOW! The last photo “Life is Good”, Johnny and Kayla seriously look so stunning, like movie stars. Johnny looks so suave… such a model, and Kayla is of course flawless and gorgeous! I love this picture of them.
JMo is indeed a man and time does fly. Can’t believe that’s him.
Great pics and writing as always Mary Anne. 🙂
“childhood and adulthood embrace”; so aptly put, In some ways the paths of childhood become concealed with age. Childhood becomes a memory longed for . . . but, in another sense we learning to embrace a childlike heart under the watch of another parent. In this new and emerging childhood we are looking forward with hope not backward.
(Almost a Jesus Juke).
Either way as a parent of a handsome son it is beautiful and painful all at once.
They look great! Kevin and I were walking in Buford last night and saw you guys! The pictures turned out wonderfully:)
My, how beautiful they both are. It is hard to believe Johnny is so grown up and so handsome. I love these pictures. Photos gives an opportunity to be there even if we are not. And I love your words. Reminds us we need to be more grateful each day and appreciate each moment. Thank you Mary Anne. I love your blog.
Time keeps moving on whether we are ready or not. Mary, your pictures have helped to capture each moment, whether a prom, birthday or just watching your children enjoying being themselves. The memories that these pictures will bring are so precious. Long before you were a professional photographer, you were taking pictures of your beautiful babies. Thank you for taking them.