Seasons of life. They are just so strange. Once I became an adult, I thought that would be kind of it. Adult Cindy. However, the seasons of life have produced different versions of me. But it’s always been me at the core.
When I was a little girl, a very little girl, I wanted to be a teacher. And that desire remained steady. In the summers I would do school with my brother. I was his big sister. Obviously, he had no choice. But to my credit, I taught him some mean math skills. I had him doing fractions by age 7.
I could not wait to graduate college and fulfill my destiny as a fourth grade teacher. Nope. That is not what God had for me. Instead, I was hired at Bearden Middle School to teach 6th grade Ancient World History and coach track.
It wasn’t what I was expecting, but big shocker… I had all the confidence.
I was given my curriculum just a few weeks before school started. Then panic hit. I realized that I needed to be an expert on Ancient World History. I was not even close. So, I hit the books. I studied hard. I crammed.
And I actually learned a lot. I loved learning and teaching about the wonders of the ancient world. Every time I hear “Mesopotamia” it still makes me smile. But do you know what stands out to me the most? The phalanx. It was developed in Ancient Greece. It is a body of troops standing or moving in close formation. That just stuck out to me. It found space deep in my brain, all tucked away.
Years later, I was in a very different season of life. Mama. I wouldn’t change it for the world. But it definitely has had it’s challenges. And it’s funny the things I have come to truly appreciate. The things that end up really making a difference.
Ryan’s mom, Celeste, is wonderful. My mom, Melody, is wonderful. Our moms have loved us, they have sacrificed for us, they have supported us.
When Ryan and I fell in love our moms outdid themselves. Celeste chose to love me. My mom chose to love Ryan. They chose to. Instead of choosing not to. They both work really hard to assume the best about us. Their love, sacrifice and support have only grown longer and wider.
And then. They went next level.
I have never told them that I overheard this conversation. I guess they will learn about it now. And I’m so glad. Because God has used it so big.
Caleb was 5. Silas was 3. We were at Celeste and Jon’s celebrating a birthday. My parents were there too. I was just about to round the corner into the kitchen, when I heard my mom and Celeste talking. I realized they were talking about me. I stopped dead in my tracks and listened. (I’m sorry Mama and Celeste!!!! I couldn’t help myself!!!)
“…. such an optimist. I just don’t think she realizes how hard raising Caleb is going to be. It is going to be a lot. We have to help her. We have to work together and support her. We have to be a team…”
And the phalanx was formed.
They made a decision in that moment to support us together. They didn’t have to. They could have done it completely apart from one another. But it wouldn’t have had nearly the same effect. For Ryan and I, for our children. It is part of their security. That we are all one big family that truly love one another. Our children love Marmee and Grandma. They love that they can talk about one to the other. They love that they can talk about them in the same sentence. They love that they are truly friends. We all do. They add so much joy to all of our lives. Individually and together.
Last weekend we celebrated Celeste’s birthday at our house…. Ryan and I and our Fab 5, Celeste and Jon, Scott and Margaret, and my parents… It was just so fun. So easy and so fun. And I remembered to be thankful. I remembered the phalanx.
Sunshine Soldier 