Choosing

"The beach where life is different.  Time doesn't move hour to hour, but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun."  

As we wrote down and offered our prayer requests, I quietly reflected at Bible study on Wednesday morning, I hope it isn't too silly to ask for a little sunshine for this evenings photoshoot?  I mean, the list is filled with prayers for health, healing, hurting hearts, uncertain futures, etc.  And I sit and think- my lungs?  My brain?  The growing cancer?  All valid for prayer requests.  What should I choose? I sat in quiet thankfulness, and discovered what was truly on my heart and mind was nothing but a little sunshine. 

So many of my very favorite things in the world were lining up for me.  A trip to a friend's lake.  A photoshoot of my family, by our talented and creative friend and photographer, Ria.  And all of this during my favorite time of the year- near summer solstice where the sun going down uses the sky as its canvas and streaks it in breath taking colors.  Please, if it isn't too much to ask. Please.

But as we left for the lake, some dark clouds started forming in the distance.  We managed to drive ahead of them, but they loomed in the distance throughout the night.  I had no idea how they would play into our evening.  Rain?  Stormy weather?  More thunder and lightning? 

As we rounded the corner to the lake cabin, I felt my shoulders drop, my breathing become deeper, and my mind just stopped in its tracks.  The waters were calm. The trees and grass were vibrant green. The water, blue and the sky a mix of blue with some clouds.  The beach was pristine.  And the serenity of it all cocooned us in peace.

The Czichotzki Family has created a sanctuary at the lake and we were honored they so openly welcomed us in.  Thank you!  

The photoshoot was one of my all time favorites.  Now I am a bit spoiled in having a husband who is a professional photographer, but one of the things we rarely get, are photos of our entire family.  

And Ria's vision, is unparalleled in the photography business.  She is creative, passionate and so good at naturally capturing our family in all of our fun, silly, goofy and treasured moments.  

Aren't you just dying to see the pics?  Ahhhh... but they're part of something else.  And so, you, and I, will have to wait, until the larger picture is revealed sometime in the near future.  

Yes, seriously, pinch me.  It'll be worth it.  Just wait.  

But here is just a hint at what is to come...

My beautiful and talented friend Ria, who honored us, delighted us, captured us.  She loved on us through her lens, her tireless work, her vision.  We're so grateful.  So blessed.

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.  ~Rabindranath Tagore 

Those clouds that I wondered about?  Just look at what they did...

And then with the sun going done and an early Thursday morning to get up for, we reluctantly left the lake.  But were treated to a virtual, visual feast as we left.  That changed and grew greater and more spectacular moment by moment.   

"You can shake the sand from your shoes, but it will never leave your soul."  

It doesn't matter how tired I am.  Or how dizzy I get at times.  My feet still turn red and are peeling.  And my lungs are... ugh... not feeling great and leaving me with a pesky cough.

I don't care.  I hardly take count.  How can I?  I am surrounded by such abundant grace and beauty- and I'm CHOOSING to honor the joy in it all.  To embrace it as much as I can.  

I asked for a little sunset "light," and ended up feeling like a slice of heaven burst through and transformed the sky.  Answered prayer. 

Anyone else want to "Choose" along with me?