November 19, 2025 The Photos We Lost...The Grace We Found

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,  clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another…  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” - Colossians 3:12–14  

Last year, we started an annual tradition of taking fall family photos. We’re admittedly a little late to the game: our kids are already 5 and 7, but better late than never! Last year’s photos were taken inside a historic home in McKinney, so this year we were excited to be outside, chasing the golden hour of sunset just west of Dallas. 

The photographer we use has a real gift for capturing the small, in-between moments: our kids being silly as they pull us through the grass, the quick laughter, a tickle photo that lands just right - it's great. She made what could have been a stiff, chore-like experience into something genuinely fun. 

But this year, something unexpected happened. 

After choosing our favorite images for processing, we waited for her final edits, only to learn that some of the files had been inadvertently deleted. She immediately hired a company to attempt recovery, and many photos were saved, but a handful of the ones we had chosen were gone. She was mortified, apologetic, and incredibly sincere.  

My wife reached out to her afterward, to extend grace and let her know that it’s okay. It was by no means a crisis for us, but clearly to the photographer, this situation was deeply concerning. She let the photographer know that mistakes happen, that we were grateful for the images that remained, and that we genuinely enjoyed the experience. No drama, no guilt, no “we’ll remember this!” Simply grace. 

So often, when something goes wrong, our instinct is to tally the loss, point out the inconvenience, or quietly harbor resentment. But grace interrupts that cycle. Grace remembers that people are human. Grace says, “I see your heart more than I see the mistake.” 

The missing photos won't be recovered, but we can’t change that and, perhaps, something better was captured: a moment where grace overcame irritation, where kindness chose the upper hand, and where relationship mattered more than perfect results. 

It turns out that a photo session meant to capture our family gave us a glimpse of God’s heart instead. 

Reflect: When someone’s mistake causes you inconvenience or disappointment, what helps you choose grace over frustration? 

Pray: Gracious God, when mistakes happen, teach me to respond with gentleness, patience, and grace. Help me value people more than perfection, and remind me that Your mercy toward me is the model for my mercy toward others. Amen. 

With faith, hope, and love,  
Eric Smith