Many moms have asked me, "Jo, don't you get tired of volleyball? How do you spend hours every week at the gym, at the practices, at the games?" My response is simple: I do it for relationship.
We have recently graduated our oldest daughter, Jordynn, and she has begun her college career. What a joy to see your children focusing on their purpose and engaging in their God-given strengths! When Jordynn was the age of our youngest daughter, Tristynn, I spent many hours in the car driving back and forth to and from youth group, youth band practices, and children's church. Because we lived so far from our church at the time, I spent hours in the car simply waiting. Why? I did it for relationship.
I was an athlete growing up and was involved in several sports. I spent many hours at the gym, at practices, and at games. The difference between my daughters and I was that my parents were unable to fully engage in supporting my passions due to career commitments. My mom was self-employed and was the most passionate and hardest working woman I've ever known! My dad worked for "the mouse" and commuted by bus because he did not drive. It's not that my parents didn't want to support me; our family's lifestyle just wouldn't allow it. Although I understood their obstacles, I confess it was painful nonetheless.
As a young girl, I promised myself that when my children looked out into the audience, I'd be there. I'd be the loudest cheerleader in the stands. I'd have the loudest clapping hands at the recital. I'd have my camera and take as many pictures as I could. And when our eyes would meet when they scored a point or sang a flawless note, I'd return their glance with a beaming smile and a hardy thumbs up. I would be there.
I am acutely aware of the price of presence. I know what it's like to have a corporate job and make a lot of money. I know what it's like to be a member of a church staff and make enough money. I know what it's like to stay home and rely on the Lord for all of our needs. God was gracious throughout all of the financial shifts and I have learned to trust.
I have an idea of what the next five years looks like - I'll spend hours upon hours in the car with Tristynn and we'll sing at the top of our lungs! I'll refill countless water bottles and carry possibly the heaviest cooler at the tournament. I might even post the most pictures on Facebook (imagine that!).
The end picture becomes more and more clear every day - a deep, heart-to-heart relationship with my daughters into and beyond adulthood. The realization of this end picture will require unrelenting resolve and I am willing.
I don't wear "volleyball mom" as a badge. I wear "volleyball mom" as a calling. I embrace it. I accept it. I love it!
