red carpets and deep thoughts

I’m writing this post from my childhood bedroom. Weird way to start the post? Let me try again.

I’m writing this post having just attended my first red carpet premiere! There. That’s better.

It wasn’t a studio feature. It was an independent film with no budget. And I couldn’t have been more excited about it. It is a sweet story called Harper Abbott, and we had a great cast and crew – 9 cast members and 1 crew member, the talented Chris Wiegand – to be exact.

It meant everything to have my entire family there and friends I’ve known my whole life. The past eight days have been pretty surreal seeing myself on both the small screen and the big screen for the first time ever. I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given and seeing the results of years of hard work and persistence in a career that has no guarantees.

Driving home with my mom tonight, we got to talking about faith (as we often do). I told her it’s the greatest feeling to get to see my work and finally share it with others, but it’s also the scariest thing… Because now I know what it’s like. I’ve had the smallest taste of success. And I don’t know when it will happen again. If ever. Like I said, there are no guarantees in this industry.

My mom said, “Well, that’s why we have faith. Faith is being hopeful for something you cannot see.” To be honest, I’m not sure how anyone sets out to become an actor without faith. Or sets out on any sort of “risky” career path for that matter without it. Or really just lives without it in general.

I can’t see what’s in store for me. I can’t see a number of jobs I’m going to book or a dollar amount I’ll make this year. I can’t be certain things will all work out like I hope.

But one thing is certain. That I have hope, and will continue to have hope… Not that I’ll be “rich and famous” but that the Lord will continue to guide me on His path, that He will put me exactly where He wants me, and that He will provide. After all, is there anywhere I’d rather be than on His path, as a part of His story? Nope.

No matter where He leads, I am honored to just be there. Until the next red carpet premiere…!