A lesson in "heart" is my little 10 year old daughter Sarah, who was born with a muscle missing in her foot and wears a brace all the time. She came home one beautiful spring day to tell me she had competed in "field day" - that’s where they have lots of races and other competitive events.
Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah - things I could say to her about not letting this get her down - but before I could get a word out, she said, "Daddy, I won two of the races!" I couldn’t believe it! And then Sarah said, "I had an advantage."
Ah. I knew it. I thought she must have been given a head start...some kind of physical advantage. But again, before I could say anything, she said, "Daddy, I didn’t get a head start...my advantage was I had to try harder!"
Whenever I am disappointed with a spot in my life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott. Jamie was trying out for a part in the school play. His mother told me he’d set his heart on it thought she feared he would not be chosen. One the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school.
Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. "Guess what, Mom!" He shouted, and then those words that will remain a lesson to me:
"I’ve been chose to clap and cheer!
