Rodger and Marlene Melton. These are two people who certainly possess this kind of character. Members of my home church, I got to know them mostly while attending Sunday School. Rodger was the leader of the class, and Marlene is his wife. I entered this particular class later in life, not much long after I started REALLY seeking the character of another man, Jesus Christ. And Rodger sought Him, too. I remember walking in each week and growing from the words he would share, and the Word he always shared. Always raw, open, and honest. And he let you be, as well. There were many times I saw him fight back tears as he told us about the way the Lord was working on his heart, and there were many times I saw him fight back tears as I shared the way the Lord was working on my heart. His authentic love for the Lord is undeniable. And Marlene...his partner in that. But it hasn't always been that way, and that might just be what I love most about them. Theirs is a story that speaks the truth and reality of God's redemptive love, through the life and death of His Son. It changes everything, and it changed them. These two love and encourage, they care. They ache for others and they pray for others. They long for people to know the One who is responsible for their concern. They are an humble family. And I admire and respect them with every ounce of my being.
Needless to say, I was honored when they asked me to take pictures of their sweet family.Especially honored since one person in that family is quite the talented photographer himself (which takes me back to mentioning the benefit of surrounding yourself with people you admire in your chosen career. He is definitely one to learn from, check out his work at www.joelgutowsky.com!) Spread out all the way from Portland to Australia, they gathered together in Texas this year for Christmas, and I had the pleasure of capturing the reunion. We had a wonderful morning and I was reminded of how thankful I am to know such people.
Author Chip Ingram once said 1) we should all pursue great people 2) none of us will ever have the time. He noted that being busy is a great hindrance, and that while we will never truly "have" time in our schedule...we should make time.
Upon winding up the photo session, Rodger asked me if I would like to join their family for lunch. My mind immediately drifted to my long 'to-do' list and I respectfully declined. I somehow thought I'd be hindered by 'losing' that extra hour of my day. I soon realized what a poor decision I made...and will continually think about all I could have gained from that time.
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