I wrote this a week ago, but failed to post it. Pardon my laziness/fear.

Charles has always been an “artist” of a sort. Growing up, he was hailed as one of the best guitarist in Montgomery. But after watching him play sports, teach doctrinal truths, socialize with others, clean up around the house, I’m now fully convinced the man can do anything well. He would object completely but it’s true.

Anyways, needless to say, life is always exciting with Charles. For example, last weekend, Charles did a wedding in Callaway Gardens (Pine Mountain, GA). He and his assistant, Devin, thought it might be fun to take me and Cara (Devin’s wife) along with them… you know, to make the time go by faster. No, but seriously, as their school schedules and work schedules are quite demanding, Cara and I were excited to hear about a road trip with our hubs. We spent Friday night in Nashville with Devin’s family (and a precious one I might add) and then woke up bright and early to head down to Callaway. We arrived in time for lunch and then saw the boys off to the wedding.

Meanwhile, we weren’t sure what to do about whether or not to drive back to Nashville immediately after the wedding or just spend the night in Georgia. Being that country roads, darkness, and sleep deprivation don’t exactly mix well, the boys put us up in the new resort hotel there in Callaway for that night (Good move!). With only the clothes on our back, the four of us spent the night, each couple to their own bed. Nevertheless, the amenities were extremely nice and the beds were especially GOOD.

Early the next morning, we headed back to Nashville where Charles and Devin were scheduled to shoot pictures for a local high-end children’s clothing store. It was so much fun, as Cara and I served our husbands as “hand-maidens” as we tried to entertain the children at the shoot. The clothing was precious and the pictures that they shot were even more impressive.

Finally on Sunday evening, we headed back home to Louisville. It made things hard on Monday morning, but I came home overwhelmed with gratefulness. Grateful for a husband that loves me and includes me, and a husband I can serve. Grateful for friends to share in the blessing with. Grateful for the safety He provided us. And grateful for the relationships we develop through this business.

I was especially grateful for that the Lord gave me eyes to see His goodness in it all because quite honestly, I sometimes get so short-sighted that I fail to see the big picture of it all. At times, I disconnect the present time with our future years in ministry; but the truth is that photography is not just a means to get through seminary. Like seminary, it too is training us for future ministry. This business that the Lord has given us is not about us, but is a pedestal that He has given us to spread His gospel. It’s still part of the ministry we’ve been called to. Every bone in Charles’ body wants to be a preacher one day. But for now, his “flock” isn’t a group of people packed in the pews of a sanctuary every Sunday morning. Rather, Charles weekly gets to preach the gospel in marriage, as he shoots pictures for brides every week. I can’t tell you how many conversations we have had with couples regarding their relationship with Christ, and how that will play into their marriage. I can honestly say that I don’t know if we’ve ever seen the fruit of those conversations, but that’s not our job. Despite the fact that we carry a lot more heavy equipment these days, our task now is the same that it will be one day when Charles stands in the pulpit as a cupbearer of the Good News of Jesus Christ, and that is, to declare the glory of His Truth.

The Lord is good to have blessed us with such a “portal” to share our faith. Beyond that, He is good to have reminded me of His graciousness in my life. May He continue to give me His eyes to see all that He is up to, and in turn, a courage to tell all about it!