We all take a personal approach to social media, especially when it comes to our children. One family may not post any pictures of their children online, others only from behind, others post regularly and with pride – anecdotes, quotes and first day of school pictures get posted up. It’s great that families take different approaches – as long as you come to a conclusion thoughtfully while respecting your child then there’s freedom.
But, whatever our approach to social media, let’s not be ashamed of our highlight reel.
Let me explain…
I (Cathy) can tend to focus on the negative. Don’t get me wrong, I’m an utter idealist and romantic; completely sentimental and soppy. But, along with that, I can get really down about the bad times – especially with parenting. Now that we have a 7, 5 and 2 year old, I do know that the toddler tantrums decrease, the potty training doesn’t last forever and whatever bad vice or habit we are currently facing, may well just be a phase and a simply a symptom of childhood immaturity – but those battles are still hard in the moment.
Coming to the end of ourselves is great, because it forces us into the arms of Jesus. Jesus who can equip us with everything good for doing his will, to work in us what is pleasing to him. (Hebrews 13:20-21).
But how about the other side of the coin – the side of thankfulness and joy – when it comes to our children? The side that stops to reflect on how far we’ve come as parents, and the victories won in our children’s lives?
And that’s where the highlight reel comes in…
The highlight reel gets a bad rap – it’s accused as showing off, being insensitive, being disingenuous. But when we acknowledge that it’s simply the highlight reel, then we’re free to enjoy it and enjoy other people’s. No one photographs the arguments, the filthy debris behind the couch or the puddle of wee on the bathroom floor. Instead we photograph the firsts, the chubby cheeks and cheeky grins, the finger painting and certificate holding and medals and awards. Because those beautiful, unique moments of childhood are hard-won, once-in-a-lifetime-never-coming-back-moments. They are what make it worthwhile. We all only get one childhood, and it’s over in the blink of an eye.
So can I encourage you to start or sustain a highlight reel of your children?
It doesn’t need to be online. It could be a physical photo album, a journal where you consider what you are enjoying about your children right now, a conservation with your spouse about the joyous and humorous things your child did that day, or a family Whatsapp where the grandparents can wax lyrical about how clever and special and beautiful your munchkins are.
It’s about having an attitude of reflection and gratitude. Because when we stop to acknowledge just how incredible these little creations of God are – we bring glory to him, and are hearts are filled with wonder. Reflecting on the blessings and progress, can strengthen us to persevere on the road ahead.
Even Mary, the mother of Jesus did this; she pondered and treasured “these things” (specifically how Jesus was growing in wisdom and stature) “in her heart.” So if she did it, I think we should to. It’s not self-indulgent, it’s having a perspective that this temporary state of our children is just that, and to rejoice in the victories.
6 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
If you’d like to follow along with our highlight reel on instragram then you can here. It doesn’t show the recesses of my sinful heart, or that of my children. It’s a celebration of the lives that God has so graciously granted. It doesn’t show the sticky window panes or towering pile of paperwork – but rest assured those things are present. This is the highlight reel – my opportunity to give thanks for his generous grace to us. What a kind God he is!