We're Not Cheerful, But We're Grateful

Well, the results are in, and Leyden didn't make the Junior Varsity cheerleading squad. She's not crying and wailing and pitching a fit, so I think she is handling it pretty well. But we're not throwing a party, either.

Leyden and her friend, Jessica, have known each other since they were three years old. They have been cheerleaders together since third grade. And they tried out for Junior Varsity together. They were up against some tough competition, girls who can do back handsprings and have been cheerleading all their lives. I am so proud of them for having the courage to do something they wanted to do.

Leyden doesn't want to play volleyball in the fall, but she says she'd like to try basketball and softball. She'll get to play softball in the city league this spring, which she wouldn't get to do if she were cheering. She'll also get to go with me this summer when I work at a very nice resort for a week, which she wouldn't get to do if she were cheering. She might also get to go with me to Savannah, Georgia for a conference the weekend between our birthdays, which she wouldn't get to do if she were cheering. So, there are plenty of wonderful opportunities that Leyden would have given up to be a cheerleader, which she would have gladly done, but since she isn't going to be a cheerleader, she will get to have these fun experiences. And I will get to take her with me on my trips!

I prayed and asked for God's will to be done in these tryouts, and I believe the results are truly God's will, because Leyden seems to have such a peace about it. She is very disappointed, but I thank God that my daughter is healthy enough to be able to try out; I am grateful that my daughter had the courage to compete; and I am hopeful that my daughter will have the grace to hold her head high and be proud of who she is and what God is doing in her life. God has plans for Leyden next school year, and while she may not be a cheerleader, she is going to be awesome at whatever she does.