One of the most interesting things I remember learning in school was the study in science class about genes and traits and kids and such. I have always loved (along with most of the world of course) watching and waiting to see which parent a newborn will look like even though it always ends up changing as time goes on. As they grow it has always been so fascinating to see which traits come from which parents and who looks like who. Maybe its because I’m simple minded but I just love it!
That is just one reason why I love doing multi generational sessions. This of course was no exception, however, with this beautiful and lovely family, I happen to have the privilege of knowing BOTH sides of the family. That made going through the photos even more of a treat. Seeing the kiddos with different expressions and watching them laugh running through the sand it was just a reminder and testimony once again at just how amazing and talented God really is.
The complexity of His task and the fun He must have designing each person differently just goes along to show how unique each of us truly are. Even though obviously these kiddos are brother and sister, the differences in demeanor, features, mannerisms, and personality are totally their own. Even coming from the same parents, they are so very different and wonderful! Carrying the beauty and charm of their parents, and their parents, and their parents, and THEIR parents all bottled up into one absolutely adorable face!
It would have been so easy for God to say, “Oh you have the same parents, heres a boy and heres a girl. All girls from these parents will be identical and all boys will be identical. Done!” But He didn’t, He put care and time into designing each and every one of us before we were born just like Jeremiah says in the Jeremiah 1:5. Not only did He form us, but He KNOWS us it says. Even more than that, He loves us. With all our quirks and hangups, He never stops loving us, reaching for us, calling us, waiting for us. Not that thats a license to run off and sow our wild oats with a carefree “I can come home anytime and He will still love us” but when we do get hung up, make mistakes, lose our way, or just decide to be silly (or stupid if you’re anything like me) It’s such a comfort knowing that just like the story of the prodigal son, God will be standing waiting with open arms for us should we decide to return home.
His love is not based on the shape of our nose, the color of our eyes, or the color of our skin. It is also not based on what society says about us or who our parents are. His love is based on the fact that He formed us with love and tenderness and will NEVER stop loving us. What an amazing comfort in a crazy world.
The Whitlow Family – It was truly TRULY such a treat to capture you all and the love you have for each other. It was great to see everyone together once again and spend a little time catching up on life. I know there are quite a few miles between you all as family, but I pray that though miles separate you, the love you share will continue to grow and stay as strong as if you were standing beside each other all the time.
Life is a journey, thats for sure, but wherever life takes you, figuratively as well as physically, I hope that each of you will always feel the love of each other as well as God holding you up, supporting you, and cherishing YOU as the beautiful, unique, special person you are.
I hope you enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed taking them, and I hope it won’t be the last time I get to capture the beautiful love you all share.
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