In addition to all of my business projects, I nanny , tutor, and drive children to and from school throughout the Nashville area. This has ranged from celebrities’ children to parents who are researchers and doctors, a local politician, an accountant, and a law school student. I enjoy meeting the families, developing friendships with the parents, and investing in the lives of the children.
While I do not desire to have children any time soon, I have enjoyed working with children the majority of my life in a variety of contexts-co-leading a Girl Scout troop, helping in Sunday school classes, volunteering at the YMCA, teaching, and et al.
I pick him up from school and to say we have a blast is quite the understatement. With Davis, it is always an adventure. We climb trees, make forts and friend with the neighbors, explore in the woods, plant trees with SoundForrest, play football and kickball, run up and down a nearby hill, and explore at Radnor Lake. We also talk about Jesus, heaven, the real meaning of Christmas (which he reminded me of), and details about plants and trees. He is inquisitive, intelligent, and always fun to be around.
Is it not wonderful how God places people into our lives? And not just for us to impact them, but for them to impact us? It is easy for me to think about Art, an author and a good friend, who is about my father’s age, who has made an impact on my life by encouraging me. Or Layne, my first good friend in Nashville. Or Laura, who has encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Or Star, who always knows what to say. Or Steven, who has amazing listening skills and has taught me how to laugh at myself. Or Phil, who has helped me to reflect more. All of these individuals ‘make sense.’ They are all adults and we ‘do’ life together. But then there is Davis, a 6-year old with bright blue eyes and boundless energy and ambition, who has taught me to make each moment count. Since he has not lived long enough to be jaded, you can tell that he enjoys life to the fullest (which I am trying to do, as well). This 6-year old has also taught me to enjoy the little things in life, to pause amid my busy life, and to thank God for each tree, breath, and moment.
