Awards Day

Yesterday was Awards Day at E.'s school. I must admit that I haven't been excited about this day. Not because of the day itself, but because we have just been so busy around here during the entire month, it was just another thing scheduled on the calendar. We're all so tired.

E. has been having a tough month as well. She loves school, yet she is more than ready for it to be over. We've had so much going on during the month of May with swimming lessons, end of year programs and parties, dance recitals and church functions. I'm asking God for strength to take one hour at a time and make it through until vacation.

Plus, I'm the type of mother that over-analyzes things, I guess. I go to bed most nights wishing I could have done things differently that day. Did I discipline too much today? Should I have let some things go? Did I discipline enough? Are they getting enough attention from me? Do I need to give them more freedom in some areas? Am I giving them too much freedom? Are they polite and respectful? Are they getting enough playtime? Are they getting tired of me? On and on and on and on.....

Most nights, I end the day asking Eric what he thinks I did wrong. He usually responds with everything he thinks I did right. He is such an encourager to me .... and, yet I still worry.

So, back to Awards Day.

On the way to school, I told E. she only had 5 more days and then it would be summertime. I asked her what she was most looking forward to about summer. She answered, "I can't wait to have hot tea and devotions with you in the mornings."

That was the first time I cried that morning.

I walked her to her class instead of just dropping her off. She squeezed me so tight and didn't want me to leave. Something she never does.

What did I do?

I cried all the way to the car wondering if I wasn't spending enough time with her. Wondering if I started her in school to soon.

I'm a mess, I tell you. I'm so ready for some uninterrupted family time.

An hour later, Eric, O. and I settled in for the Awards Ceremony. I didn't really know what to expect. I hadn't given it much thought.

The teacher called each child to the podium individually to stand beside her as she talked about their award. She was giving each one a certificate that described a biblical trait she saw in each child that included a bible verse she had chosen specifically for them.

Each one was so sweet. I listened while the first couple of children received sweet awards like Joy, A Great Helper and Faithfulness. I was teary-eyed thankful that my child was going to get such a sweet award based on biblical traits.

Then it was her turn.

She skipped up to her teacher (she's always skipping and twirling).

Her teacher began to tell E.'s award. Here's what she said ....

I didn't have to search for what I would
award E. My decision was simple.
Wisdom.
When E. first came into my
class, I was amazed she could read.
She has been reading since she was 4. I thought at first she was
memorizing the words, so I tried to stump her a few
times. It didn't take me long to
realize she can read anything.

But, I'm not awarding E. for her
academic wisdom. I'm awarding
her for her spiritual wisdom.

She loves the Lord and the things of
the Lord with all her heart. As things are
going on in the class with all of us, she's
quick to tell us what God's
word says about that situation. And, she's always right.
Her knowledge and love for the Word is so
advanced for her age. She has a strong will
to please the Lord and do just what He says.

I am so excited to see
how E. is going to allow
God to use her life. I know she will live a life
that pleases Him and honors Him because
her love for Him is so
evident.

Eric and I were a puddle of tears.

She returned to her seat and looked up at me with big eyes and asked, "Mommy, is Wisdom a good award?"

I answered, "Absolutely, the greatest award!!!"

The bible verse chosen for her was:

"Those who are wise will shine like the

brightness of the heavens, and those who

lead many to righteousness, like the

stars for ever and ever."
Daniel 12:3

I'm so thankful that in the midst of all my worry and confusion while trying to be a godly mother to these two precious girls, God gives me signs that we're going to be okay. To keep pressing on.

I love the part of the verse that says "lead many to righteousness'. I pray that E.'s life will be such a reflection of Him that others will know how great He is!