The Benefits of Being a Nomad

Yesterday, my husband and I celebrated 14 years of marriage. While it is an accomplishment to be married for 14 years, we haven't really celebrated much. It happened on a Tuesday. We both work full time. The kids had school and our daughter had dance class, so it was a little later than usual when we sat down for dinner. We did enjoy delicious steaks, baked potatoes, and a glass or two of red wine. That's celebration enough for me! 

We both individually posted a picture or two on Facebook, as did my mother-in-law. Now I'm not one to fish for comments or well wishes. I don't post much on Facebook. I've challenged myself to take more pictures of my family and life this year and I've been posting them on Instagram. Occasionally I'll share them on Facebook,  but not always. What I'm saying is that I didn't post yesterday seeking likes or comments, but that is what we got! I think there were over 400 likes, reactions, or comments combined. Wow! 

I often joke that we live a nomadic life due to Will's career calling. We are living in our fourth town since our youngest was born. She'll be 7 in a couple weeks. That's 4 towns, neighborhoods, churches, sports teams, 4-H Clubs, schools, workplaces, restaurants, doctors, dentists, dance studios, piano teachers, babysitters...whew...and that's not all. I won't say it's an easy life. It has its challenges, but that's for another post. 

As I was scrolling through all the names of people who reacted or commented yesterday, I saw names from every chapter in my life. Some people from high school that I haven't seen or talked to in twenty years. Some that we have just met in the past nine months in this newest town. Some from our old churches, others from my old workplaces. College and grad school friends shared wishes. Dear friends that we make it a point to see regularly. Family from across the country that we hardly ever see. And coworkers who commented while we were sitting in the same room! Some commenters were at or in our wedding, which was a beautiful sunny day...unlike our recent cold gloomy weather. 

With each name, I had a picture in my mind of how I knew that person and from where. These memories were accompanied by a little smile or feelings of anticipation of seeing their smiling faces. And it made me think. Despite always being new in town and not having one place to call home, we are blessed to have known so many people in many different settings. Our life is richer because of our experiences, and we hope that we have enriched your lives as well.