GRATITUDE DAY 5

Little Megaroo!

This little girl is amazing and I am grateful to have her for my daughter.

Over the weekend Megan attended her District Qualifier for the North State Competition.

Her goal there was to not only qualify for North State but also for the gold division; there are three - - gold, silver, bronze.

She did it!  She worked really hard all year to achieve her goals and they were realized at this important qualifier.

But as the meet wore on, her coach realized that she would be placing in the gold div., and became concerned that her N State meet might take place on Sunday.  She called the director of the N State to find out if her placement would need to change if she was not able to compete at the N State competition.  She found out that her placement would hold no matter what and then he also let her know that her meet would in fact be held on Sunday. 

Not good news.

Coach Debbie found me in the crowd; shared with me the sad news and asked if we would make a concession in this case.

Well, we have had other situations come up over the years that challenge our decision to keep the Sabbath day holy.  We have decided as a family that we feel it is important and necessary to worship together as a family on the Sabbath; to spend the day focused on our family and our Savior.  This has been a great blessing to us.  Being able to experience a Sabbath day which is completely different than the rest of the week has been a gift to our family.

Having said that, to tell Megan that her competition (the one she has been working toward and looking forward to) has been scheduled on a Sunday wasn't something I wanted to do.

I cried through the rest of her meet. 

I couldn't bring myself to tell her after the meet because she was so excited about placing in the gold division.   

I waited a few days to tell her. 

As I began to talk to her about her wonderful accomplishments this season and her upcoming meet,

she knew. 

She sighed and said, "It's on Sunday, isn't it?"  And then the crocodile tears came.

We cried together, hugged, and talked at length.

Oh, she was so sad. 

We talked about how she had already achieved her goals for the season and how remarkable it is that she was able to do that even without the possibility of the N State meet.

While we were talking, I asked her if she was upset because the meet was on Sunday or if it was because we choose to not compete on Sundays. 

She let me know that she was sad only because it was scheduled for Sunday. 

As we continued to talk, she told me she understands why we don't compete on the Sabbath and that she is fine with that.  I am grateful that she feels that way and impressed with her as well.  But I know that this one was hard.

Megan wanted to call her coach when we finished talking (and hugging).  Her conversation with her coach was sweet; Coach Debbie said all of the right things.  I appreciated that so much.  A good coach can make all the difference.

Tonight I'm grateful for the strength and sweetness of a little girl.  She is such a blessing to us.

Comments

[Jonathan]

Megan,

You are a blessing to all of us.

Thank you for your joy and hard work and love for the goodness in life.

Dad

[Marilyn]

Megan, congratulations on finishing in the gold!! That's so amazing. Your hard work paid off and you deserve it. I am also so proud of you for your faith. How many other ten year olds would understand the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy? I know I didn't. You have made the right decision, and I know you and your family will be blessed. I love you Megaroo!!

[Mary Perkins]

...and a little child shall lead them. Way to go Megan! You have set a great example for all of us.

[Kim]

Megan...WOW! Congratulations on making your goal a reality. I know it took alot of hard work to qualify for the gold. But what I think is even more amazing is your determination to uphold your standards. You are an amazing example of strength and faith. I know it is heartbreaking to not be able to compete this time, but Heavenly Father will bless you ten-fold for your decision to remain true to the faith.

[Heather Darrington]

What a great story, and a beautiful girl! Im impressed with her decision as well.

[Joan Lloyd]

Im so proud of you, Megan. You are an amazing grandaughter. I love you so much. You are a very precious daughter of God. We are fortunate to have you in our family.

Love,
Grandma Joan

[MEGAN LLOYD]

I AM HAPPY I MADE THAT DECISION TOO!!!!!!

[Stacy]

Beautiful photo, beautiful little soul.