Happy For You
My summer has been super busy. I realized it’s been a while since I last wrote. So much to share! I’m back, folks. I’m back! A few weeks ago I was asked to sing and be a part of an absolutely gorgeous wedding ceremony. Not only were there so many beautiful personal touches, but the artistry was captured to perfection by the amazing couple of David and Drew Photography. The day was wonderful and the connections made were unforgettable. Everything was stunning. When Amanda asked me to sing at her wedding, I was honored. Singing in a wedding ceremony is amazing. It’s a time that you’re able to share your gift with the couple that they’ll have forever. As I sat and waited for the ceremony to start, I looked around and smiled at the thoughtfulness and love that went into each detail. The space was a family homestead, transformed into an oasis of love for this couple. The photography was so tastefully done and I truly believe that Amanda and Brandon will have memories for a lifetime and generations to come with every image.
David and Drew Photography
When I’m attending an event and I see photographers work, it always peaks my interest what the final result will be. I get excited to see how they tell the story; even when it isn’t mine. On this day, watching the crew of David and Drew was magical. Not only could you tell they were capturing the essence of the day, but they were beautiful people as well. They were beautifully dressed, polite, thoughtful and passionate.
When Whitney (Drew) asked if she could take my picture, I was shocked and thankful. Usually, the wedding singer doesn’t get a photo in the album; but today was different. Like I said, this crew was thoughtful. We spoke and briefly made a connection. We talked about our names, their photography, my blog and collaborating. Since meeting, we’ve spoken and Whitney has given me tips on photography. No competition, just love. I can’t wait to work with them again.
As women, we find a way to use our gifts to help each other. This day was no different. We used what we had to celebrate Amanda and Brandon. Everyone, especially my little one, was so happy, encouraging and excited for them. My daughter couldn’t wait to hug our life-sized Barbie, Amanda, after the ceremony.
David and Drew Photography
Plenty of room
Don’t you wish life could be like this more often? Too many times, I’ve noticed that people generally have a hard time truly being happy for one another. Behind the smiles, there is always an sense of comparison or slight resentment, maybe even sadness. Surprisingly, I’ve experienced sharing dreams and aspirations for a new skill or platform with ladies (some I called friends) who were already in that particular profession or using that platform and having the awkward moment where I could tell they didn’t want to help or want me to do it. It’s the strangest feeling. I’ve also had the opposite happen where my friend would say, “YES!! There’s room for you!!” Sometimes it makes you question your friendships…
I wonder why we struggle to be happy for each other. Is it because we don’t have the level of accomplishment we want or we feel we’ll suffer from someone else’s success? I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. Other ladies tell me about similar situations with longtime friends or acquaintances who were afraid or hesitant to help. It’s unfortunate and hard to understand. Ladies, (gentlemen too) we’re in the relay of life, not the 100 meter race. Each one of us pass the baton to the other in order to finish. We need each other from start to finish to win. If we drop the baton, we’re disqualified. Never forget that. We have to make sure we’re constantly lifting and loving one another. It’s literally one of the 10 Commandments. Mark 12:31:
“… 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
There is no commandment greater than these.”
Could it be we have difficulty loving and being happy for ourselves? Could it be that we’re actually living the second Commandment? It tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves, and because we struggle to love ourselves, we do a poor job of loving others. We struggle being happy for others because we struggle to be happy for ourselves. Seems strange, but its true. When we begin to see God in everything we do first, then we’ll be able to boldly acknowledge and be grateful for the good in our own lives. If we can get to that point, We can love others the way we’re supposed to love. We can truly love as the Commandments require us.
I want to leave you with this thought: find the good, better yet, the great in what you do; large or small. If you have the opportunity to help someone grow or get started in your field of expertise, do it. If you’ve got a friend who is interested in doing what you do, help them. They need encouragement, and in their eyes, you’re one of their best resources. They look up to you. Don’t fear their success. Be a friend. Remember, your gift makes room for you, (Proverbs 18:16) and there’s plenty of room for us all. Let’s develop a deep love for ourselves so we can truly love others. When we connect, we grow. This ceremony reminded me of that very thing. Together we can literally do anything, most of all, love. We can help each other connect, celebrate and truthfully say, “ I’m happy for you.”
David and Drew Photography