My challenge for the DPP this year is to, well, challenge myself. Instead of taking a shot of a Christmas wreath in my own house (ain’t nothin’ wrong with that!) I might try taking a shot of a wreath hanging at the mall because I’m a little more cautious about shooting at the mall. Instead of photographing Livia on our front porch I might try my hand at street photography—something I have always wanted to do but lacked the boldness in approaching people.

Today I put my camera around my neck as I walked into Le Quartier to pick up lunch for a friend. I felt awkward walking into the bakery with a camera, but I also knew I couldn’t take a picture if I didn’t have it. While waiting for their fabulous tomato soup and chicken sandwich I spotted a profile in the back office that looked familiar. My friend Keri apparently now works at this particular location! I flagged her down and got her to pose for me. It was pretty great. Seeing Keri, my fellow artist and all-around encourager, gave me the boldness to grab today’s DPP shot.

And then things got even better. Keri introduced me to the chef who runs the shop (her name is escaping me, argh!) and I got to walk into the kitchen and snap a few more pictures of her decorating a cake. (I also heard of this incredible cake she made for the new senior pastor at Grace Chapel, Ben Loos. Congrats, Ben!)

Keri’s shot wins the day, but it was such a learning moment for me, such a moment of opening the door to opportunity and being prepared to walk through it. This is why the DPP excites me. I’m hearing story after story of people looking for beauty and taking the time to capture it this December. Thanks for joining me, friends. It means a lot.