A Winning Attitude

When I grow up, I want to have an attitude like Verity.

Of course, her attitude isn't perfect all the time but on this April afternoon, I was so proud of her attitude as she took 2nd place in her school's spelling bee (in her grade level).

When Verity told me she made it to the spelling bee finals, I told her we were proud of her and inwardly, I felt thankful for another opportunity to build her character. Because win or lose, she will have the choice to respond in a godly or ungodly way. David and I want our kids to know that winning isn't the most important thing in life (though I feel a little differently when it comes to UCLA) ... but that our relationship with God is the most important thing and that we can honor Him and those around us with every victory or loss.

So the night before the bee, I told her, "If you win tomorrow, you give Somi (the other finalist) a hug and you encourage her! If Somi wins tomorrow, you give Somi a hug and you encourage her."

Verity & Somi went back and forth for awhile ... and performed so well that the principal finally announced that they will have to start using the 2nd grade list (which neither girl had seen). After a few more words off the 2nd grade list, Somi emerged as the victor.

Verity donning her 2nd place medal

And I couldn't have been happier. I was excited for Verity and waited to see how she would respond.

She did give Somi a hug. And though I'm sure she felt naturally disappointed, she was still all smiles. And as we walked to the car, she said, "Krissy congratulated me on my win."

"She did?" Perhaps Verity didn't understand the results. "But you didn't win, Verity," I gently told her.

Verity looked up and smiled, "Yes, I did. I won 2nd place."

Later that night as I tucked her into bed, Verity said, "I'm so glad Somi won" and fell asleep.

What a great day.

And speaking of great days, we are planning to move into the house this month. David took these interesting shots from our top floor...

The sea on a clear day...

...and the sea covered in clouds!