Larger than life

Twenty or so years ago my in-laws had a camp in Newcomb, N.Y., not far from the Canadian border. This vivid picture reminds me of that camp and the cool crisp clean air that made you glad every time you took a breath. The picture was made using HDR photography, which is a special kind of computer enhanced photo which allows for a greater contrast in the color spectrum than normal; beyond that, I don't have a clue to exactly how it works. But I know that it does work and after all that's what really matters. It works so well that I remember all the good times we had at camp and all the fun; but most of all I remember the people. Aunt Helen, who was always there whenever anyone needed a bit of help financially. Grandpa Pete who would tell tales of the depression era and my Mother-In-Law who took care of everyone but herself. The Bible is full of memories like this too and I especially like this portion from the book of 1st Timothy:

2Ti 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,
2Ti 1:2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
2Ti 1:3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.
2Ti 1:4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.
2Ti 1:5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.
2Ti 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,
2Ti 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2Ti 1:8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
2Ti 1:9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
2Ti 1:10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

English Standard Version

Paul remembers Timothy, who as his name implies, was a timid helper of Paul and very loved by him. But Timothy was more than just a helper, he became a very effective evangelist over the years as he overcame his youthful weaknesses. As time went by, he became closer and closer to Paul and it seems to me that he had a larger than life picture of him in his mind. Something like the clarity of a HDR photo that seems to bring pleasant memories into clear focus once again. God has a way of giving you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it. Paul knew it and decades of experience have shown me the same thing. Whatever life is, God makes it better because through him you begin to understand the big picture; that life is really only life to the extent that you let God into it. That is better than anything I know, even the wonderful times we had in Newcomb.