In my efforts to respond to comments on the channel Off the Left Eye, I often rewatch videos. I need to pay attention to what the commenter is describing, and it is good to be well versed in our messages. This means that I might only watch a portion of the whole episode. Then I press pause. 

 

Sometimes the face that is frozen in this abrupt interruption is, well, awkward. Not all of us are photogenic every moment of every day. Photographers know this, and will take a flurry of shots in order to achieve that one stellar image. 

 

I send a quick apology to the person, that I have caught them with their eyes half closed, or their mouths agape. Clearly, this single frame does not represent an entire personality. 

 

It reminds me to offer the same margin of grace when a friend, or even non friend, might misspeak, or stumble. Taking a slice out of their entire day, or life, and freezing them in it is less than helpful. 

 

Plus, I hope for they will do the same for me, fumbler that I am.