What Does Passion Have to Do With Tennis Balls?

From the title of this blog, you might think I’m sporty. Far from it! I am, however, reflective, and I was challenged by ELA-8 Director Hope Jones to reflect on and identify my passion: that which drives everything I do.

What does passion have to do with tennis balls? Think of a dog. If you are a dog owner, you are probably smiling right now, thinking of the joy and unconditional love your dog brings to your life. The photo you see here is my little buddy, Hobo. A dog is a good example of one who is driven by a passion and is loyal to that passion, whether it’s eating, chewing on your favorite slippers, or—here it is—chasing a tennis ball right into a lake or a thorn bush or into the street!

So, if I were a dog—well, first of all, how great would that be?!—but, if I were a dog, what would be my tennis ball: that driving force behind my work, my relationships, my free time, my life?

That may sound like a simple question, but for me, several things come to mind. I am a Christian, so God’s Word and His plan for my life are definitely driving forces. In addition, I am married to a minister, so God definitely decides where I live and work. I have been married to said minister for 30 years, so marriage is an important part of my life. In those 30 years, that minister and I have been immensely blessed with two precious daughters and have had the awesome opportunity to raise these girls into young ladies and see them begin to explore their world and make their mark. I have often said that having my daughters has been my greatest accomplishment in life.

When I think about things that I enjoy, I think of books, music, and drama. I love to read, sing, and act. I especially love to dress up in costumes! While these are things that I enjoy, I have tried to identify what it is that drives me. I have decided that, just as I suspected, my passion is kids. Not just MY kids; ALL kids! I absolutely love children. I am very entertained by them. I love to talk to them and listen to them. I love to put them at ease and make them smile. I love to teach them and watch them learn and grow.

In addition to kids, the other thing I am passionate about is fun. I love to have fun, but I also like to make fun happen. I like to help others have fun or at least make them smile. There is enough in the world to make people feel sad. I want to do the opposite! We need more laughter!

Darlington's mission states that we empower students to "learn with passion," among other things. Being the ELA-2 librarian at Darlington allows me to learn every day as I feed my passion and do those things that I enjoy. I get to read. I get to sing. And I even get to wear costumes! It gives me so much joy to spend time with my students in the Enchanted Garden. We have a lot of fun!

That’s my tennis ball. Your serve.