I have always known that she will never be an Olympic athlete (nor do I have the stomach as a mother to push her toward anything like that), but for the discipline, the stamina, the strength and the getting-the-wiggles-out aspect of it, the one hour a week classes are worth it. The pride and excitement on her face when she got her trophy today makes the 60 minutes of chasing a toddler worthwhile.
She likes it, but doesn’t love it. She isn’t turning cartwheels on the weekends or watching movies about gymnastics (that is taken up with the horse-love). When she turned 5, I gave her the choice to quit and begin something else. She wanted to stay. We’ve had our difficulties with not listening to her coaches, lack of attention, keeping her hands to herself, and all of these many, many times in three years.
This makes me think. So, what have I stuck with consistently for THREE years? Or proportionately-speaking, more than half of my life…let’s see, I’m 32 (that’s 16 years!). Hmmm. Obviously, I am encouraging her to go, driving her, telling her she must when she is whiny, but nonetheless, she has accomplished what I really can’t say that I have: Completing something she has begun.
So, again, lesson learned from a child: Begin something and then follow through. Or as Mary Poppins would say, “Well begun is half done”.
You really captured the moment with that picture.
You both did a great job following through with what you started. And it sounds like you’ve reaped the benefits.
I teach Kindermusik and children will sometimes go through phases of difficulty, especially in the toddler years. I know because I struggled through the wiggles, running, keeping hands to self (him, not me) with my oldest. I’ve yet to see a parent who was not glad when they stuck it out, though. I know I am so glad I did. It pays off!
Great life lesson. Once again, the Father is teaching you a lesson through your children. It is amazing how many lessons we still have to learn! I hope my kids are faster learners than I am.
What a darling picture of her enjoying that moment! What a great lesson to learn. I agree with you..the Lord teaches us so much through our kids!
Sarah,
I can totally identify with the next-to-last paragraph. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all the projects on my list. Step by step . . . my son’s learning to walk so there’s another good analogy there–
What a wonderful lesson for her to learn early on, and that smile says it all
I can’t even remember how I found your blog – but I loved your comments. We must be on the same wave-length because yesterday my post was about self-discipline and being a ‘finisher’. You can do it – and so can I. We just need to keep on plugging. Thank you!
I just love that picture of Hope! It really does capture the moment so perfectly!
Now that is really something to think about…what I’ve begun and really finished. I’ll have to give that some thought today! And, what am I encouraging Jack to start and complete?
BTW, I’m 32, too!
:)
I agree with Alana, that picture is perfect! It isn’t always easy sticking it out through the rough spots, a lesson learned throughout life… great post!!
great job Hope! thanks for the lesson and for modeling your stick-to-it-ness!
Kids teach us so much! I just wrote a post about my own daughter and the lesson she taught me…then I stopped by here. Gotta love motherhood!
What a great picture of Hope – you definitely captured the moment! Thank you for the great reminder about having a stick with it attitude!
Ouch—-that pierced me. I am convicted.
I am so proud of Hope!! Way to go—keep up the gymnastics.