Testing Waters

Today my favorite photographer announced the end of an era, and a move into a new season of life + work. She lives on the East Coast, and I’ve been a fan of her social media and website for quite some time. David even bought me her film photography course for my 30th birthday - he knows me so well.

But this photographer loves God so much more than she loves her work, and she is humbly laying down and submitting her business to Him. As someone who has also worked over a decade to be where I am, and having not yet “arrived” - still working to build this little company further, it’s a humbling thought to let it all go for something better.

My mom once told me to hold everything with open hands, because with our palms held out we freely allow The Lord to give and take away. Sometimes it feels like I’m white-knuckled, gripping this life and all it entails so tightly, and other times (not anywhere nearly enough), I embrace a more Heavenly mindset… but, in my sinful flesh, it’s usually with the things that “feel good” to trust with.

As I was taking some photos this morning, I asked Little Abear if he minded me doing this work, and he said “Don’t stop being a photographer, I know this is your passion…”

That question could have been answered very differently, but instead he chose to lay his life down. For someone so little, he shows so much kindness and thoughtfulness. Am I so free to lay myself down for others? Am I so free to lay my life down for the Lord? Really, that is the pinnacle of freedom, one that is not bound by anything but love for a great God. It’s a hard love, one I fall short of daily, but a good goal - the ultimate goal.

Is there a question you might join me in asking today of what we might lay down for something better? For a greater love, for a Holy God?