Cheerleaders

My high school band director considers me silly and insignificant. My dad tells me he is proud.

The youth ensemble leader at church advises me to abandon music as a career. My mom never once questions my decision to pursue music education.

I invest in a party-based jewelry business for which there isn’t a chance in H-E-double-hockey-sticks that I will make one thin dime. Bill and Ana buy me a sturdy folding table and briefcase for my new “business.”

I repeatedly question my ability and worth and ask “what in heaven’s name am I doing?” Laurie persistently speaks words of encouragement and love and tells me she sees God’s grace living through me.

I believe for all the world that teaching is no longer right for me – a professional move that will dramatically affect our budget and 4-year plan. Tim says if it’s right for me, it’s right for us.

Good golly Miss Molly. Everybody should have it so good.

I hope when you want to go somewhere important but it’s too far and costs too much your partner says, “Of course you’re going.”

I hope when God speaks to you in ways that no one else can hear or see, your tribe says, “Go for it.”

I hope no matter how far out of balance you get, somebody steps on the other end of the scale and brings it back to center – no charge.

With all my heart, I do not hope that you have an easy life.

I hope you have something better – a life so full of love and support that, no matter what the load, you never carry it alone.