Happy Monday, and an even happier February!! It’s crazy to me that we are already in a new month — anyone else out there still writing 2014 on all their checks (and hall passes, if you’re a teacher like me!)?! Haha!

Even though January flew by, it was such a productive month around here! I kicked the year off with a life-transforming and empowering trip to Creative At Heart, started a new semester with my kiddos at school, organized my 2014 tax information, purchased equipment, liability, and renter’s insurance, consistently blogged three days/week, established intentional goals for the 2015 year, streamlined my email process, and had my first feature on Love Came Down! Not to mention, Chris & I had some GREAT date nights, became obsessed with House of Cards, and finally booked our trip to NYC this April!!! Woohoo!!! It was a great month :)

But, it was also a month of hard thinking — and the resulting realization that, as a person, I am pretty stinkin’ selfish. C@H was not a “Christian” conference per say, but MAN, I came out of it with such a fresh perspective that continues to be reinforced again and again and again. It’s so easy to become consumed with SELF. To become obsessed with the “likes” and stats and accumulations….and when you don’t have those stats, or you’re not seeing those accumulations…MAN, are you in for one heck of a pity party! Trust me, I know!

But, I am learning.

This business, this thing I do ON TOP of an already crazy busy life, it’s not just to look cool or get likes or beat records. It is to SERVE. It can’t be about me, because it’s never been about me to begin with. So if there is anything I am loving in 2015, it’s been the realization that this business is all about LOVE in the first place! It’s how I can love my clients and support and encourage them in the midst of whatever life is bringing their way — whether that is wedding planning craziness, the stress of choosing a college, or the exhaustion (and joy!!) of raising 4 kids under the age of 5!!!

And you know what is even more awesome?! How running this business has transformed the way I think about my classroom, or my marriage, or my relationships with others in general! Because if I’m a photographer in order to serve others, MAN — just think of the possibilities I have as an educator to serve my classroom, as a wife to serve my husband, or as a friend to serve those around me!!

So many people walk through this life feeling alone, feeling unworthy, feeling unloved. Just think of the impact we could make if we all put down our pride, put our SELF aside, and put others first. Now, don’t get me wrong and assume I have this all figured out (just ask my husband…) — I am in this with you! This is HARD. And counter-cultural! But, believe me when I say that putting others first is the ONLY thing that will lead to ultimate joy and success — even if that’s not joy or success as defined by the world!

Matthew 20:28 “…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”

John 3:30 “He must become greater; I must become less.”

We are in this together. We got this. And when we don’t got this, there is a God in heaven* who does.

Daniel 2:28

Love love love,

Sami

P.S. The pictured card above was part of my #swagbag at C@H — I’m obsessed with Rachel Tenny & her #spreadjoyandhappymail cards!!