Life Skills...

It's amazing to me what I am willing to do for and promise to Heavenly Father, just so one of my children will do well at something.

Last night was our annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby.

Now. I have to say that, while I love that he has this experience... I don't love the preparation for it. The anticipation. The high hopes... and putting the darn car together. He christened it "The Melter". (Last year was "The Flame") He basically did everything himeself, execpt for the trimming of the body shape. His first race... he placed "The Melter" up on the starting block... Off they go.... Lost. Race after race...

"Please, just let him win one", I bargained, whispering under my breath. "Just one."

It was tough.. but he came in dead last..not winning a single race.

Tears were on the verge of spilling over, as he fought back his disapointment. My heart ached for him. His dad reminded him to be a good sport... as there were quite a few boys who were new at this and had only won 1 or 2.

After the race-- awards were given to the top 3 winners. He managed pull it together and clap for them. And mentioned he was grateful they didn't mention who lost. That brought a smile to my lips.

By the end of the night.... He was officially inducted into our new pack. Given a yellow stripe on one cheek, to represent Truth. Given a blue streak on the other cheek, representing Honor. He earned 6 beads for his uniform. He was happy.

When we got into the car to come home... his sisters tried to offer him words of encouragement.. but for him, by then, the race was already a thing of the past. His final word on the subject? "Did you hear the bishop say that my car was the best looking?" I

wish I would remember be so quick to find that silver lining.

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”~~Frederick Keonig