purpose

At the conclusion of one of Ky's gymnastic meets, as the gymnasts gathered their ribbons and trophies, water bottles and warm up suits, a mom made a statement that broke my heart. Her own little girl did not have a great meet and she was quite disappointed. "I'm just so mad at her!" the mom stated, the frustration in her tone loud and clear. I pictured this sweet girl, probably feeling defeated and dejected already, having not performed to the best of her ability, coming to her mom for comfort. Oh goodness. Instead of the love, hugs and affirmation that she so desperately needed at the moment, she was met by her mom shaking her head and rolling her eyes, the disappointment in her face obvious. I was so very saddened.

In that same moment, however, I was also very grateful... grateful that we, as Christians, have a purpose in this life much greater than our performances or successes. It is a truth that we have been very careful to instill in our little gymnast throughout her competition season. Her worth is tied up not in the scores or how she placed, but in the eyes of her Heavenly Father. She is wonderfully made; He takes delight in her; He has great plans for her life. Whether she walks off the gym floor in victory or defeat, her value does not change. Her purpose in life far exceeds her gymnastic abilities, and she knows this full well. She has had great meets and meets where she has struggled, but she has shown us that she is secure.

We also hope for Ky to remember that her abilities are God given gifts, to be used for His glory. That is the reason she recites Colossians 3:23 before every meet and the reason we use praise songs for her meet videos. In this world, it can be so easy to get caught up in our own hard work and accomplishments, or, as parents, in the accomplishments of our kids. May we not forget that all of this is because of God's great graciousness to us - we have done nothing to deserve His goodness!!

On that note, here is Kylee using her God given abilities at the Wisonsin State Championships. It wasn't her greatest meet, but that is OK by us!! We are so proud of the little girl she is.