HE KNOWS BEST

Just this past weekend, I was blessed to visit for the first time, the gorgeous island of Nantucket. It took my breath away to say the least. From the dreamy harbor filled with boats to the rich purple, pink and blue hydrangeas that graced each home and street.

Surrounding this island full of hidden treasure spots is the Atlantic Ocean with African safari like plains. Lighthouses and the refreshing summer sea breeze welcomed us as we strolled.

The downtown, full of quaint and adorable shops lined along cobblestone paths. To say the least, this spot on the map is a Photographers dream.I’m tempted to make a coffee table book with the dreamy photos I captured..maybe I will.

So after too short of a visit, I was delighted when my travel buddy offered her place to me for a few more days than originally planned.

Don’t Grip

She had to return to North Carolina but I was welcome to stay at her gorgeous home and continue my photo expedition. I was already envisioning all the spots I would explore and the quiet time I’d have. In my mind, it was all coming together perfectly.

He Knows Best

Then the evening before her departure suddenly, she got a call regarding her home and everything changed. She apologetically informed me that, I would not be able to stay and they were to return early the next morning. The sudden news hit me.

Many are the plans in our heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails.” –Proverbs19:21

I reluctantly packed to leave the next morning, as a rainstorm hit, I boarded the ferry back to the car to return home on the 8-hour journey.

As I stared out the rainy window on our drive back, mind completely blank, the Holy Spirit, spoke to me “You’re to see Jenn.”

Divine Appt

Jenn + Jim Chandler are newlywed actor friends of mine based in New York. I was their wedding Photographer recently in the Georgia mountains on Jim’s family farm. They asked before my trip, if I would come to support them in their first Broadway performance together, Celebrity Confessions. At the time it wasn’t a possibility.

So as the Holy Spirit spoke to me, I mentioned it to the girls in the car and they said, “Yes, we feel that God is calling you there to support her. We were praying that God would ordain your steps. We will drop you off at the nearest NY subway station.”

Throughout the night and the trip, God confirmed by many divine appointments that this was His better plan. Even Jenn, nervous backstage, with tears in her eyes, praying before she stepped on stage was confirmation. She texted me, “Loveeee. Apparently, there is a line out the door! Can you take photos of this! God may have called you to this day to be a blessing like this.”

I knew God was teaching me a valuable lesson. Firstly, don’t let disappointment settle in. Secondly, hold your well thought out plans loosely. Above all, don’t grip your agenda and trust my greater purpose. God really does know best.

You see, that’s the thing with surrender, it means you are His vessel. Where he can move things around, bring people he chooses and change your plans in a moment’s notice. Therefore, don’t fight it or resent it. Instead, welcome it for His plans are truly greater than ours.