Today, I took Skylar to the park. She loves the swings and slide but today she wanted to try the monkey bars. I was a bit concerned but let her try to see what she would do. At first, she just hung there and then let go, she fell on her knees. The second time around she fell on her backside. She did this a few more times and grew discouraged that she couldn't make it all the way across. (I'm thinking that is a huge feat, she's only three, okay so she will be 4 in a week) But she fell really hard and then some kids began laughing at her. I could feel myself get mad because I understood her embarrassment. I told her not to worry about how many times she fell but to always dust herself off and get back up. I saw the look in her eye when those words registered with her heart. She wiped herself off and tried it again.
As I sat watching, I felt so proud. It warmed my heart, I bet our heavenly Father thinks the same. We may fail and fall but as long as we remember to get back up and continue to press forward not taking our eyes off the prize (getting to the other end of the monkey bars) success is inevitable. God is for us and He promises to never forsake us. As I stood along side cheering her on, I noticed her confidence soared. She didn't make it all the way across today but she got better at learning to hold her grip.
I was encouraged by my daughter's determination today. It made me think about all the things I had given up on, regardless of the reason, I'm dusting myself off and getting back up...
for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again...Proverbs 24:16