As Kylee has endured her gymnastics set back and first broken bone, she has received many kind and encouraging words from coaches and gym parents for her presence at the meets and cheering on her teammates. One thing that we've heard quite a bit is, "Soon, it will be your turn to shine!"
2010 state championship
The comment is always made with the best of intentions, so I take no offense, but it has caused me to ponder. In the life of my little girl, I truly believe that RIGHT NOW - when she's hurting and desperately wishes life was different - is when she is shining most. She suits up fully and stands proudly on her casted foot as part of her team.
She hurts and cries, yet wipes her tears and cheers loudly for her teammates who are doing what she's dying to do. She has demonstrated true joy for them in their successes.
Those smiles mean so much more to me than her smiles on the podium after a successful meet. Those smiles demonstrate pure joy despite her circumstances, the kind that only Christ can give. Those smiles show me that she is growing and maturing and learning to put others above herself; that God is working in her and growing her character.
Though she must wait a long while to compete, she does not have to wait to shine. She is shining brightly, right now.
1 comment:
It gives me a lot to think about in my own life. Is life only valuable when we are front and center? Do we not also contribute to life and society when we are "behind the scenes". Your daughter gives you much to be proud of.
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