House Shopping

Today we are looking at houses in the Arlington area. Just thinking about living in a new city is exiting and frightening all at the same time. Mary and I are so anxious about the significant changes we are undergoing now and the massive changes to come. New schools for the girls, a new home, and new jobs for both of us. These are major life changes and they are occuring RIGHT NOW.

James

My least favorite small-talk inquiry involves the predictable and impersonal "what do you do?" Although not often enough, I have reacted to the question with disdain and disregard, suggesting to the virtual stranger that we instead engage in conversation about "who we are" or else not talk at all.


What I "do" professionally does not contribute to relationship-building, and it certainly does not define me as a person. As a child, I recall boasting to anyone who would listen about the enormous success of my Dad, who I typically described as "the best ditch digger in the world." Well, my Dad may have dug a ditch or two in his life, but his position as a national award-winning District or Regional Sales Manager involved so much more that I have yet to fully comprehend. What mattered is that my Dad took pride in his accomplishments, whether digging ditches or speaking at national sales meetings. Similarly, my Mom graciously and tirelessly worked 24/7 in her lifelong position as unpaid teacher, mentor, playmate, confidante, housekeeper, nurse, cheerleader, prayer warrior, driver, chef... and the list goes on. The last "title" that comes to mind when I think about my Mom's professional life is "stay-at-home-Mom."


I have decided to apply this same philosophy to questions about my husband, James. To describe James with limiting, shallow, unimportant, and misleading titles that refer to what he "does" would be unfair and insulting to the person he IS. Thus, from now on, if anyone asks "what does James do?" I will answer with the following:

James
provides leadership
maintains consistency
develops strategies for improvement
offers guidance
brings joy
demonstrates resilience
supports and encourages his wife
shows pride in all he accomplishes
renders patience and understanding
stays strong
selflessly provides for the family
communicates
brings honor and integrity to his role as Dad
sets goals and achieves them
optimistically envisions the future
loves deeply

I am so proud of James in everything he "does." More importantly, I honor, respect, and love him for the human being he IS.