We should open the photo albums and spend some time thinking about the days of the past. Unless we think of the past, how can we move ahead in the future?
We close our eyes at night and wake up again in the morning to start our day. But life is still a continuous flow of moments in time. All the past moments merge to form the next, and we drift forward in the future.
When we look at photos, it is not just a visual experience. As we think about the days we left behind, we may, in our minds, be transported to a past event or moment. Photos may, in the depth of our minds, make us feel the touch of our loved ones, remind us of the scent of flowers of a special occasion, and stir up the same feelings that made us shed tears or laugh out loud.
Yesterday, I spent some time looking at old family photos. Technology has made it possible to take the photographs out from thick albums and scan them into electronic format for preserving and sharing. After a few clicks of the mouse, images from my childhood brightened up my evening.
Recognizing uncertainty is the joy of life. As much as we dream, hope, and make plans, the control of our lives is in divine hands. When we look at old photos, we realize that everything is predestined and that things happen for a reason. When we look at images of the past, we can study the trajectory of our lives. When we see photos of our loved ones, who continue to be part of our lives, we understand how precious they are. When we see photos of the ones we loved and lost, we understand the significance of the lessons that the pain of separation taught us.
An inscription at Apollo’s temple at Delphi teaches mankind a lesson – “Know Thyself.”
Knowing one’s own self begins with the examination of the past – life events, incidents, acquaintances, friends, relationships, and much more. It is only when we understand our past, we can navigate forward.
Photos bring clarity, fill our minds with emotions, and strengthen our resolve.
I spent time looking at old family photos. You should too.