Moments That Remind Us Why

Do you ever wonder why you're doing it? Why you're spending so much time, energy and money on activities for your kids? Yes, your kids benefit, but sometimes it's easy to wonder if it really matters.

My gymnast daughter is a very stoic competitor. She is extremely focused. About the only emotion we see during a meet is anger or frustration when she's having a hard time, otherwise she shows sheer determination, or nothing. Meet after meet I wonder if it really means anything to her.

Then there are those moments . . . I had one this past weekend.

She's been struggling with a particular skill. In her last meet, she stuck it. Yes, she fought for it, but she held it and for a brief moment when she moved into her arms-up ta-da pose I saw a smile cross her lips. I actually grabbed the mom sitting next to me and exclaimed, "My kid smiled!"

I have replayed that over and over in my mind. I want to remember it because it may be a long time before I see her smile about her accomplishments again. But I know. I know her sport means something to her. I know she recognizes her accomplishments. And I know every dime, every minute, every mile is worth it.