I'm finding it's a REAL downer when others (i.e. coaches) don't think your child is as exceptional as you believe him/her to be. The reality of parenting, at least in my eyes, is I think God blessed me with the BEST littles ever to hit the planet. They make me laugh, smile endlessly and fill life with abundant joy! Sometimes they stress me out and bring me to my knees asking God, "What in the world am I doing wrong?" But, overall they're just AWESOME!
One of our kids was up for a position on an all-star soccer team. After many try-outs and evaluations, we learned this morning he's not "all-star caliber." I know there's a life lesson to be learned, but the sting of those words is miserable.
The other night as he was feeling really down about potentially not making the team, we discussed the life of Abraham Lincoln. (Doesn't every momma who loves history turn to Abe's life when trying to soften the blow of failure). Here was a man who faced many failures in life. Eventually he succeeded winning the Presidency of th United States and now hails as one of America's most successful, popular Presidents.
A common list of the failures of Abraham Lincoln (along with a few successes) is:
•1831 - Lost his job
•1832 - Defeated in run for Illinois State Legislature
•1833 - Failed in business
•1834 - Elected to Illinois State Legislature (success)
•1835 - Sweetheart died
•1836 - Had nervous breakdown
•1838 - Defeated in run for Illinois House Speaker
•1843 - Defeated in run for nomination for U.S. Congress
•1846 - Elected to Congress (success)
•1848 - Lost re-nomination
•1849 - Rejected for land officer position
•1854 - Defeated in run for U.S. Senate
•1856 - Defeated in run for nomination for Vice President
•1858 - Again defeated in run for U.S. Senate
•1860 - Elected President (success)
So, as I hug my sweetheart and console him through this life lesson, I will be reminded that when we fail or don't make the team, we get back up, dust ourselves off and try again. That's what life's about. Every day is a new day with new opportunities.
