I love taking pictures. People used to mess with me for how much I use Instagram; it’s one of my favorite things. I don’t like it or use it to try and become an influencer, I see it as a photo journal. I get to post highlights of my life and share that with others! I don’t share my entire life on there, but it’s a fun tool I get to use with my pictures. I take lots and lots of pictures every day. I think this love of photos started when I used to get on trips or to camp and I was given a disposable camera from my parents. I could take up to twenty-seven pictures!

The main reason I take so many pictures is that I want to remember moments so I can look back at all of the meaningful memories I have.

In this time of uncertainty, it can be easy to fall into the dread of the unknown. No one’s really certain what life will look like going forward, but I think we will all have a greater appreciation for what we have. I have looked back at some of the pictures I’ve taken, as well as taken many more. I’m thankful for the meaningful memories because they help me keep perspective on what’s truly important to me. They help me focus on what I want to pursue and the people I want to be with, and it helps melt away the junk I don’t need more of.

I’ve learned that life is in fact very short, so we need to capture the moments that matter.

Hold on to love, and don’t miss out on what matters most.

My mind loves to throw hurtful memories at me at random moments. I think about the things that could have been, the way I had been treated by different people, or those who have spoken words of death at me. It frustrates me because that’s what Satan likes to do, he tries to throw past hurt to ruin your future joys.

We must fight pain with love. In those moments I like to look at some of my favorite memories on my phone or laptop. I have folders filled with times that I was filled with joy; it centers me and reminds me of the blessings God has given me. When we hold on to love, we look at life with different lenses. We see others as people to be loved. We look at our past and see the growth the trials produced in us. We are able to let go of the anger and unforgiveness, entering into a walk of freedom.

When we hold on to the things that don’t matter, we lose out on the things that truly do matter.

Don’t miss out on what really matters.

Capture these moments and make more memories.

We are never promised tomorrow. Life is chaotic, things can happen in an instant and take us off guard. Our trust needs to be placed in the creator of the universe. When we live each day loving others the way God has called us, no matter what happens to us, we can know we have victory over the enemy. Instead of listening to the dread or words that hurt us, focus on where you have been and where God has brought you. Cling to the blessing and create meaningful memories every chance you have.

-Joshua Thomas

About the Author: Joshua Thomas is a writer by day and superhero by night. When he’s not writing and crimefighting, you can find him reading a good book, sipping warm tea, taking pictures, or dreaming. The young writer doesn’t fully know what he’s doing, but is enjoying the journey of it all. You can tweet memes at him on Twitter @joshua_thomas__ or follow his hipster photos and Jack Kerouac musings on Instagram @joshua_thomas__