the hardest lesson i’ve learned

i am a people pleaser by nature.  i just want everyone to be happy with me and like me.  but, as i’ve recently learned, that is not possible.  you just can’t please everyone all of the time.

many of you know, i am a photographer.  as a photographer i naturally want to please all of my clients.  i want them to walk away from our session not only blown away by their pictures but i also want to gain them as a friend.  sadly, i’ve had to realize not everyone will absolutely love their pictures.  there are a few different reasons this can happen…either they weren’t familiar with my style before-hand, they hate how they look or (for weddings) a guest ruined their shots.  regardless of the reason, the rejection is still ouchie.  

i really feel God has called me to be a photographer and blessed me with a gift.  i can honestly say though, the rejection crushes a part of my spirit.  and in my weaker moments, i find myself giving in to satan’s lies about my work and about me as a person.  satan takes every opportunity he can to swoop in, knock me down and leave me feeling vulnerable.  

the Bible never tells us to please other people.  you can search through the Bible verse by verse, front to back, and you’ll never find those words in it.  but what you will find is instruction to please God.  He IS the most important element in our lives.  and when we live to please God, when we run a business to please Him, we may not be pleasing everyone around us.  God is reminding me that He didn’t call me to live a happy life, but a life that honors Him. and while I’m going to fail over and over again, my desire is to live the life He has called me to live.