Let’s talk about blessing for a bit. But, first, I want to tell you about the dream come true I experienced in Scotland.
Once upon a time, I planned a trip to Scotland. Thanks to the book series, Outlander, I had visions of bagpipes, heather, and thickly-accented fairies dancing in my head. I wanted to see castles and faery glens, and be surrounded by folklore for three and a half days.
And I wanted all of these fantasies to become real and be placed prettily in front of my camera. I daydreamed of kilts flowing in the breeze and romance and lots of hours editing in my happy place.
So, I put out feelers for a couple who might want to have a free couple’s session- or even a genuine elopement. I contacted anyone who raised their virtual hand for my offer. Four couples messaged me with excitement and then with resignation and my heart sunk each time.
And then! Out of the blue, a beautiful fairy godmother messaged me on Facebook, claiming she was from a modeling agency for the UK, she offered to find models and outfits for me at no cost. I very expressly told her I could not afford to provide compensation in any monetary way. She responded with grace and told me none was expected and she just wanted to make sure my time in Scotland was as amazing as it could be.
I mean, who does that?! Who offers blessing without any attached strings?
I was thrilled! But suspicious. I’ve never been handed a styled session on a plaid platter. Nevertheless, I agreed and messaged her back and forth. But I was completely suspicious and even a little jaded. It has been a hard, heartbreaking few years, you guys. I wasn’t in a place to be very trusting or excited. Also, I did NOT feel like being murdered in Scotland.
My friend, Joanna, and I met Christine at her house on the day of our session. She promptly drove us around to a few little villages for things we could use in the session.
We literally just walked into a high-end bridal shop and with a few words of greeting and introduction, I was told, “Take a look and tell me what you want.” I don’t think I can stress this enough, I didn’t even get to do that for my own wedding. So I chose my favorite wedding dress and it was zipped up and we were on our way ten minutes later.
I was gifted a second out fit, jewelry, and a gorgeous bouquet all in the name of Christine who wanted to give me good things out of the kindness of her heart. But it didn’t stop there! The models she found for us were sweet and braved the cold weather (it was cold, you guys)- we drove to castle ruins and then to the most beautiful seashore.
And the entire time, I felt as if it were somehow not real. How could all this be happening to me with no expectation of reciprocation?
But it happened, you guys, and I’m still in complete AWE that God would find me worthy of this amazing experience. And, yet, why wouldn’t He want to lavish upon me good things? Didn’t He promise that? Every Good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights.
Every good and perfect gift. Every good thing in my life from the tea that warms my belly to my family to amazing adventures abroad. They are all given to fill my soul. And Jesus was given to save it.
It’s all for me. For you. All of it.
#selah
