My youngest niece and her husband are going to have their first child in January. I was thinking last evening as I did the dishes about how their world will change once the little one arrives. And I was reminiscing how I felt the first time I had someone call me "Mom" after our son was born. I LOVED it! I was one of those now -- a mother-- and it felt so right.
As I savored that memory, the word "family" arose to capture my thoughts. Because not only had I gained the former tag (just as my husband was now "Dad), we also could claim this latter term together. Being a "couple" or "married" was wonderfully sufficient for those years we shared together in the front end of our marriage but that bright-eyed infant changed it all. "Wife" is one I am especially proud of.
Once the floodgates of brainstorming opened I realized how many labels actually exist in my life. "Graduate" brings memories of that special, proud tingle I felt when I reached out to received my diplomas being extended to me from my high school principal and then my college dean. No one's smile was bigger than mine. I had done it. Woo-Woo!!! Watch out, World!!
"Sister", "daughter", "niece", "granddaughter", "daughter-in-law" all signify deep emotional bonds in my heart. The professional titles I have earned are woven into my life's resume. I am pleased to have studied and achieved those significant letters that now appear after my name.
"Christian" is not just a label but a vital personal claim. "Volunteer" reflects a soul-held desire to be a part of the lives that exist around me.
What are the labels of your life? I plan on adding a few more....how about you??
