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I was nine when I got my first camera. I’d broken my arm at the beginning of summer and I think my mom gave it to me to cheer me up. I took it to the local theme park with my family and took pictures of the world from the Skytower.
When that roll of film came back, I knew this was what I wanted to do.
After the encounter with the living God for the first time at sixteen, I knew this is how I could give thanks for what the Lord had done: Capturing the reflected glory of a human soul on an ephemeral piece of film. I shut myself in the darkroom for two years learning this craft in high school.
After that, God sent me to a tiny college in the mountains of South Carolina. One with only two photography classes. I skipped into the second easily. I graduated with a degree in Outdoor Experiential Education, married a week later, and three years after that found myself cuddling twin girls who never seemed to sleep.
Sure, I pulled out my digital camera to photograph the girls constantly…But that wasn’t the dream.
I felt like a cracked vessel that could not hold water: someone with a clear calling who didn’t know how or seem to have the means to fulfill my purpose. The Lord had taken me far from that original dream to photograph. Clearly, He had meant for me to go to that little mountain college with the full scholarship. Clearly, He had given me a man who served and loved me deeply. Clearly, these little girls crying at all hours were good and precious gifts. But what about this desire to capture the glory of God reflected in the faces around me? Would I ever be able to pursue that dream and passion?
And then I bowed low to serve someone who had served me.
A kind old mentor who invited over 60 people each year to her farm for Easter and Thanksgiving. A group of misfits for whom she opened her doors and invited Jesus right in.
I took out my camera when my girls were napping and I photographed it all. The glory of a Jesus call lived out in such a real way. I gave her a photo book to say thank you and show her all the things she couldn’t see from the confines of her walker.
Then she asked me to photograph her family. Then someone else asked if I’d photograph a newborn. And then, with the twins but 14 months old and a surprise baby boy about to be conceived, I received my first paying photography client.
My dream of becoming a professional photographer didn’t happen overnight. And I’m not yet making a livable income from it, but there was God stepping right down into my world the very moment I stopped wishing and started serving. (<==== Click to tweet)
Bow down, dreamer-friends. Stoop to wash those feet right where you are. (<==== Click to tweet)
And wait. Wait for Him to use you in ways you never expected as you surrender your dream to give Him glory, while using your hands to serve.
Shared by: Melissa Aldrich
Melissa Aldrich rarely has it all together, but she knows the One who does. Wife, Mother, photographer, writer. She encourages others (but mostly herself) to see the mess in daily life as real beautiful graces. Melissa can be found at Quiet Graces and on Facebook.
_______________________
You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream by Holley Gerth is only $3.99 for the Kindle version at Amazon right now!
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Kristin Smith says
Melissa – I loved this post and am so glad that you are guest posting for us…beautiful picture of how God creates us with specific gifts and talents and how we can bless Him and others by using them!!
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Mandy says
This makes me smile so big, Melissa! I admire your attitude and perseverance, my friend. This post is truly beautiful, just like you and your photography.
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Melissa Aldrich says
Thank you for always cheering me on, Mandy. It really makes a difference that you serve me with that gift 🙂
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Christine Wright says
Melissa, thank you for guest posting, friend. This is a beautiful post – such a good word you bring today!
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Melissa Aldrich says
Thank you for having me! And I hope you feel better soon!
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Deb Weaver says
Awesome, Melissa! Stoop to serve those nearest you. Significant advice.
Deb Weaver
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Melissa Aldrich says
I wish you were nearer 😉
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Kathy @ In Quiet Places says
This reminds me how our timetables are always so different than God’s!
What a great lesson!
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Melissa Aldrich says
Yes. Very different timetables. And I think He always waits until we’re willing to serve with our gifts/dreams and not just be served by our gifts/dreams.
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Mel says
Such good words today…to stoop low and serve. Something I need to do more of…some days I just get too wrapped up in myself. Thanks for sharing here…beautiful post. I love your heart and pray that God will bless your dreams beyond anything you can imagine. 🙂 (((hugs)))
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Melissa Aldrich says
Most days I’m too wrapped up in myself to even stop and read a book to the three littles. I totally understand. Thank you for your encouragement and prayers 🙂
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Danielle says
Melissa, thank you for the reminder to serve! Right now I’m praying for ways to serve others during this ‘waiting season’. Love you, friend.
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Melissa Aldrich says
You serve me regularly, friend, by lending us that handy husband of yours :-p
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Satin says
Melissa, this is beautiful! “Stoop to wash those feet right where you are. And wait. Wait for Him to use you in ways you never expected as you surrender your dream to give Him glory, while using your hands to serve.” Love this!!!
Thank you so much for sharing! ♥
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Melissa Aldrich says
Can’t wait to see where He will lead you to serve, Satin.
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