I was eleven years old (or so). It was summertime. I had just experienced an awesome week of music camp with my church group, and it was talent show time! I’m a VERY outgoing person and this was right up my alley; I wanted a talent to perform in the show! So… I called my mom and asked her if I had any talents. LOL I don’t recall figuring one out in time for the show, but I would like to think that now, eighteen years later, I’m on my way to discovering my uniqueness– my talents, my skills– in this life. Ones that are mine; mine alone to use in honoring God, first and foremost!
About two years ago, I began reading the book Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado, and I’m proud to announce that I’m 96.8% finished with it as of last weekend! I really love to read; really I do. It’s finding the time to do so that is hard for me. Rawr.
I only had to read the first three sentences of the back of this book to know that it would be making its way home with me! It read…
“God made only one version of you. He custom designed you for a one-of-a-kind assignment. Cure for the Common Life helps you discover how your ability unveils your destiny… and how to find your uncommon call to an uncommon life.”
I struggle a lot balancing all the hats of my life (just ask my husband!)– wife, mommy, photographer, personal chef, family historian, barber, laundry service, accountant, peacemaker, teacher, guidance counselor etc.– sometimes it gets the best of me; as I’m sure it does many. Last weekend I was having one of those particular “balance breakdowns” that I hope I’m not the only woman to ever make. But alas, I was afforded some nice quiet time to immerse myself (fully!) into this awesome book!
My book literally looks as if a pink highlighter puked all in it. I was reminded that I was “born prepacked. God looked at [my] entire life, determined [my] assignment, and gave [me] the tools to do the job” (pg. 13). So, this book became an assessment of my life, forcing me to write down and hash through my past– moments of success and satisfaction thus far– in order to discover my “sweet spot.” What fascinations did He give me? What makes my pulse race and my eyebrows arch? What makes me want to look up into the heavens and say, “I was made to do this”? I was reminded to “color Christ with the crayons God gave me!” (pg. 52). Powerful stuff. And last but certainly not least, I was reminded that in order to find my so- called “sweet spot”, I must, 1. use my uniqueness, 2. to make a big deal out of God, 3. every day of my life!
So by the end of the assessment of my past (like 5 pages of writing in detail all my successes and satisfactions) it was determined that… are you ready?… I am right where I feel I am supposed to be! 🙂 Whew. Thank goodness. lol I, my friends, am meant to uplift the spirits of people I encounter in life and while traveling through art, dancing, music, and smiles! If that doesn’t sound like a wedding photographer and a stay-at-home err, work-from-home-mom all at the same time, I don’t know what does!?!?!
God’s creation is beautiful and inspires me EVERY day. This is where my photography began– nature. So… I felt it only appropriate to leave you with this photo captured about a month ago in the yard of our TN home. Not to mention that daisies are my favorite flowers, but this photo surfaces so many feelings within me. I’m reminded of TN naturally since it was taken there; I’m reminded of being pregnant with my son in TN because it was the rainiest Spring they had, had in 48 years (not really, but I was pregnant and stuck INSIDE looking out the window at the daisies). I’m reminded of all the home-made bouquets of wildflowers that my husband will randomly pick for me to brighten my day! And just so many more things that are a God-send in my life! I am so blessed!
Happy Thursday!