Love Tinted Glasses

I’ve written before about not noticing Gage’s physical “flaws” when he was a tiny baby. I couldn’t see poor coloring, an abnormally small head, or anything else wrong with my little boy. All I saw was a perfect and precious gift. It’s like the love I had for my baby overpowered my perception. I like to call it “love tinted glasses.”

Don’t get me wrong, Gage was and is adorable. I mean, look at this face!!

Ice Cream Gage LTG

But it was easier for others to notice his differences than it was for me. Gosh, I wish I was more like that with everyone I encounter! That would be a much better alternative than being quick to notice physical shortcomings in others or myself.  If we all saw people through a lens of love, the world would be a much better place.

I could make a feeble attempt at explaining how to see people more like that, or go on about how becoming a parent makes it much easier, or talk about how magical it is to watch a baby sleeping peacefully. But you know what they say – a picture is worth a thousand words. With their permission, I’d like to share some photos of parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, etc. looking at the special people in their lives with their love-tinted glasses on.

Gage and Gramps on the tractor LTG
Grandpa Keith gives Gage his first tractor ride.

 

Fletcher's Face Paint LTG
Sweet Audrey watches her big brother, Fletcher, get his face painted at his pirate and fairy themed birthday party.
Michelle and Eli Halloween LTG
Michelle (aka Mom) helps Eliana show off her amazing Halloween costume.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

I’d love to add more photos to this post and keep it growing. If you have a picture that captures the unconditional love shared between people in your life, feel free to email it to hannahwingo@gmail.com.

Photos submitted by Jessie: 

blue bird group
Teens from Fellowship of Christian Athletes interact with residents at the Blue Bird Orphanage, a home for special needs children and adults, on a missions trip in Nicaragua.
blue bird friends
Making new friends at the Blue Bird Orphanage in Nicaragua.
blue bird dancing
Nicas and Gringas dancing at the Blue Bird Orphanage.
back massage
Will gives his new friend a relaxing back massage.

Photos submitted by Lindsay: 

boat ride
A momma looking at her sleepy boys with love after a full day of boating.
LJ and Erin
Another momma trying not to worry about being without makeup and looking through a “selfie” lens at her baby who is quickly outgrowing her lap.
Elise and Roxie
A girl who loves her dog.

Photos submitted by Cara: 

Matt and Miles
Daddy Matt and Miles sharing snuggles.
Cara and Miles
Smooches at sunset.

Photo submitted by Lizette: 

meeting papa
Millie meeting Papa for the first time.