i was editing a session today when a photo jumped off the screen and made my heart flutter. this one image brought truth and tears. i had to write.
the picture was of a bride and groom. dana & ryan, the couple in the photo, have a captivating love story. their tale is of a whirlwind summer romance that looks different and feels exciting, like nothing you've seen on pinterest. last minute, they scrapped the stressful wedding day (which was really more for everyone else anyway) and they went to the courthouse and made promises to each other and God, just the two of them. they decided that a lifetime was too short to fill it full of things that don't matter...and all they wanted to do was sign up for forever, so they skipped all the ordinary fuss. they decided to do it all a little simpler...and with more personal meaning. i loved hearing their love story and spending a golden morning capturing them embarking on their new and beautiful adventure.
their love story is truly inspiring, but there was poetry & gospel in this image that made me cry...
*the way the groom is looking back and offering his hand for his lovely bride to take.
*the way he is one step in front of her... anxious for them to get on their way up that pretty hillside, where all the wildflowers live.
*the way her hands are full of white dress and blue baggage...
*the way she is making her way a little more slowly, choosing her steps carefully and minding her dress.
the imagery took my breath.
God refers to His church (me & you) as His bride and as i looked at this picture, all the sudden, dana and ryan faded to the background and all i could see was the truth hiding underneath.
the way the groom is looking back--stretching out his arm towards his love--reminds me of the God who claimed me as His own and wrote a beautiful story for me--packed with passion & adventure. Daily He asks me to drop it all and place my free hand in His...and daily i deny His hand and make really good excuses as to why i have other things to do.
like this groom, God has adventure on his mind. He stretches his hand out for me to grab...but so very often my hands are full. He's one step in front of me, anxious to show me the beauty that lies ahead...but my hands are busy...with silly frills and personal baggage. i can't move at His pace because i have alot of practical things to carry. there are things i must tend to. and i want to watch where i'm going, so i don't trip and fall.
because realistically, the bride in the photo will trip if she throws it all to the wind and tries to run in that dress. if she doesn't fall on her face she'll get all dirty running along that dirt path. not to mention that she probably really needs all that stuff in that suitcase. these excuses ring with worldly truth and practicality and that's what makes it so hard to put it all down. God asks me to travel lightly...and i keep thinking i am, i am. but am i? really? or are my arms still too full of trifles (that look significant) to let Him lead the way?
most days i turn away from His wild call--my house needs cleaned, bills need paid, work needs done, kids need bathed and these things really are important! i don't think i can just let them go and ask Him what He wants me to do with my time, talents, love and money...
it's all so very wild and free and extreme. when He asks me to love Him and love others it sounds so simple but it lives hard.
i want throw it all to the wind. i want to be the bride that runs in her wedding dress. i want to be swept away by Him. i want to step into my love story. i want to grab His hand with both of mine and hang on! i want to trust Him enough to take His hand and let go of everything else.
i want to...but dare i?
funny how one picture can change your morning and your mind. in the light of the truth hidden in this photograph, everything that usually fills my hands and looks important seems so very small. in this moment, i can see His outstretched arm so clearly and know...
adventure awaits...
