“On your mark! Get Set!”

The shrill whistle blew. I dove into the water.
The race had begun.

Never the fastest swimmer, I enjoyed it none the less. The long hours in the water were calming to me, a reset for my whole body. 

I enjoyed the water so much, that from my childhood days of swimming lessons, I launched into lifeguard training, and then became a Water Safety Instructor (aka. formal name for swim teacher). I swam competitively, and also as a synchronized swimmer.
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“Mellany! I’ve found the career for you!” my co-worker, Heidi, exclaimed as she bounded over to my cube.

Stationed in side-by-side cubicles on the 28th floor of a Chicago high rise, I was supposedly in my career. Yet with my boss sitting in his office within earshot, she continued.

“You have to be a life coach! I had my first session last night and every question she asked me you’ve already asked me! This is the career for you!”
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Launched.

“Okay, Mommy,” my 5-year-old stated confidently. “You’re a good Mommy, so we’ll do it.”

I had just told her we had to wash a hurt with soap and water. This was her response.

Her assurance and trust in my love for her brought me pause.

As I cleaned her up, I thought, “Isn’t that the kind of trust the Lord wants from me?”

Once cleaned up, cared for, loved, my Little One went forth with joy.
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