You Will Never Make General

Outside of the home, my profession takes me to the gym. I am a fitness instructor and supervisor. I graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelors Degree in Nutrition and a Masters Degree in Sports Management. I enjoy what I do so much that many days I forget I am working, but nothing thrills me more than picking up Eva Jewel from her morning preschool program and heading home. I have always been “Betty Homemaker.” I enjoy all the domestic responsibilities. The rewards far outweigh the work put in. When Chuck and I got married, we decided I would only work part-time, and it has continued to work well for us as we raise our family.

There is no denying it. I am a social butterfly who has never met a stranger. My husband tells me all the time to stop talking to people we do not know. I very gently explain to him that we will know them when I am through visiting. My personality works well for me in my field, mainly since I cater to an older population. I have made many dear friends among them, while swapping life stories and day to day activities. If you want to know about life, spend some time around the “old folks,” they really do know a thing or two. Helping people live better, inside and out, is what exercise is all about. I have found, many physical problems can be linked internally. What is on the inside of us eventually will show up on the outside. Most people just want a listening ear and a helpful hand. Many of my participants have mentioned how much better they feel after being with friends, laughing and exercising. I heard a quote that I make my personal mission every day: “Be a blessing everywhere you go and leave people better than you found them.”

One morning, as I was getting ready to leave work, I sat down to check my email and finish up some paperwork. I knew once I got home, I would no longer do any office work. This is something I saw modeled by my dad. It was rare for him to bring his work home from the church office, mentally or physically. He used to say, along with my mother, “It is all for nothing if we gain the whole world but we lose our family.” As a child, I didn’t see the value in those words, but I do now. As I was sitting there, checking through my email, one of my weight room participants, a retired Military Colonel, saw me. He walked over and made a little small talk. He noticed I was checking my email before I left and jokingly told me I could do that at home. I told him I tried my best to keep tight boundaries between work and home. I wanted to be a mommy to my little girl and a wife to my husband. I didn’t want to spend my time at home distracted by work. At that moment, I saw a staunch man soften and with a glisten in his eye, he looked at me and said: “You will never make General that way.” He gave me a wink and moved on. I often wonder if that glisten in his eye that day was one of regret or fond memories? I am guessing probably a little bit of both.

It’s impossible to raise a family without some regrets, but my prayer is that the fond memories will far outweigh any regrets. A price will be paid, either at work or at home. It is up to us to choose. I made a decision long ago that my family would get the best of me, not what was left of me. I may not make General publicly but I will be the hero they need privately. I know you are fighting for your family as well. Make sure they win.

Remember the Lord, great and awesome! Fight for your families, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your homes. Nehemiah 4:14

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