As she stood at the edge of the mat
I felt as though my heart would stop beating.
No, I’m not thinking about Gabby Douglas.
No, it was my daughter.
Cute and petite in her gymnastics outfit.
Curly black hair.
I saw in my seat watching her
feeling her emotions
her fear.
Many times I have done things in public.
Speaking
playing the piano
the organ
singing
It was hard enough to be the one on the hot seat
but this was harder
much harder.
The crowd around watched my darling
my more than wonderful girl
(doesn’t every mother feel the same)
as she stepped out on her right foot.
“Oh Lord,
please
please
please
help her to remember her steps.”
She had practiced for weeks for this gymnastics event.
But would she
in the front of all the strange faces
all t he people
would she remember?
“Lord, she’ll be devastated if she forgets,” I silently pleaded as I watched.
Cold hands.
Lump in my throat moment.
And then
she was off….
a perfect routine of somersaults,
balance beam
and flips.
Done.
I jumped with excitement and clapped.
She had done well.
Remembered it all.
Then as I looked down at her from my place in the stands
I saw her look up
scanning the sea of faces
Looking
Looking
until we met eyes.
Mother and daughter. Together. Forever.
Through all the joys
and sorrows in life.
And right there at our side
is our loving Father.
Cheering us on…Watching..Caring…whispering to us
again and again
“Do not fear for I am with you. (Isaiah 41:10)
Our perfect Parent knows just how much we can take
how much risk to give
teaching us all the time
and giving us opportunities to learn.
When we succeed
He is there.
And when we fail
He is still there.
lifting us up and helping us brush off the dirt.
Champions are made
a little at a time.
One ordinary day after another.
Sweat. Discipline. Work.
Keep pressing forward, my friends.
Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt
and where thieves do not break forth and steal.
for where your treasure is
There will your heart be also. (Matt.6:19-21)
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