I can remember the day like it was just last week.

I walked in the door from school, when my mom let me know that someone had called and left a message, wondering if I would be interested in watching their infant daughter. I had been babysitting for quite some time at this point in my life, and so in my routine, I picked up the phone and called the new mom back to set up a meeting… I sit here today, 8 years later…”hanging up the phone” It’s been the most wild, beautifully wild “phone call” of my life.

*****

The week after I graduated from school, I drove up to their little red house, fresh with dreams curiosity and unknowns. I was a child back then. I had no idea how long I would nanny for this family, or how their children would hold such a dear place in my heart. I was taking the next right step on the journey of faith the Lord had me on and I had to remind myself that whatever tomorrow held, He would hold me, lead me, and sustain me.

I had no idea that 8 years later I would be sitting at this keyboard, reminiscing the ways He was faithful. How he DID hold me, lead me, and sustain me. I’ve gone through many life changing seasons in the last 8 years, I’ve had friends step-in and out of my life, I started dating, I got engaged, married and now stepping into motherhood. One of the few constants in my life, has been this beautiful family. This family who took a chance on me, entrusting their dearest blessings over to my care every week.

They have walked with me through my easy and hard seasons, in the same way that I have walked with them. Moves, sickness, celebrations, births, pain, hardships…at some point, you walk through so much together, that your relationship is no longer professional but personal. Family. Their three kids grew up under their roof and so did I. I learned how to love. I learned how to be silly. I learned how to grieve. And now I’m learning how to say good-bye. Not a forever good-bye, but a good-bye all the same.

I’m taking off my nanny hat, and putting on my mommy hat.

A few years into this nanny gig, I realized the “end” would come at some stage and I knew I wanted it to look beautiful. I prayed it would end on a sweet note, and nothing less. We both came to the horizon of life change at the exact same time, and I’m too aware of His sovereignty, to call it anything less than grace.

An era is ending, but a friendship isn’t.

If I communicate anything else here today, I want it to be this: One of the most unexpected blessings that has surfaced out of my commitment to this family and theirs to me, is the beautiful friendship that Cherie (mommy of the beautiful little ones) and I have created. That HE created in us. I expected to take many things away from my time spent as a nanny, but I could have never dreamed up the depth of friendship I would walk away with.

Cherie, you have been my mentor, my encourager, my safe place, my prayer warrior, my friend, my sister. You are one of the most beautiful people I know. I mean that with everything I am! Your tender heart and fierce love are not lost on me. We have laughed, joked, dreamed, cried, planted and grown together. The beauty just radiates from you, and today I want the whole world to see that! You bless and bless and then bless again. Soak in these words dear friend, because they are truer than true ( I may have read one too many Dr. Seuss books to the kids)!

When I needed to test the waters of a possible career shift, you were there, encouraging me the whole way. When I needed to celebrate the new man the Lord had brought into my life and share all the cheesy romance stuff, you were there. When I walked down the aisle in a white dress, you were there. When I needed flowers for said aisle walking day, you were there with the most gorgeous flowers in tow. When I was uncertain why my newlywed husband seemed to be severely sick, you were there an stepped in as our nurse.  When I was upset and emotional as they admitted my husband to the hospital, you were there with a listening ear, praying lips, and dinner. When my homely landscaping needed some tender loving care and fresh life, you and your blessed green thumb were there. When I called you in tears, telling you that our first baby was in heaven, you cried with me and listened to me and loved me. You were there.And only a few short months ago, when I sat in your living room, whispering that the Lord had chosen to redeem our loss and open my womb once again, you were there.

I cared for your children and you cared for my heart.

Thank you for “being there” I’m honored and blessed beyond belief for the ways He has chosen to intertwine our lives. May the next 8 years be as sweet as the last. We have so many more milestones and changes to weather together. My prayer is that I have been there and will continue to be there for you too. My dear friend. My sister.

To Emme, Jakers, and Gabby, you have been one of the loudest, wildest, tenderest, blessings in my life. I will always be your Ms. Lindsey and I will always be praying for you and your hearts. The Lord has so much good in-store for you, and I can’t wait to see how he chooses to reveal Himself  in the seasons to come. Go be the blessings you were created to be. Live and lean fully into the life He is calling you to. The best is yet to come…and this week that means the start to a new school year. Cherish the simple things, always. Surprise your teachers and classmates with your love and authenticity. The world is waiting at your fingertips, do whatever you want and LOVE GOD.

So much love.

 

Ms. Lindsey Joy