A Good 'Pumpkin' on Her Shoulders

It was her first real school competition. . .

a pumpkin contest.

Every first grader was to decorate a pumpkin and bring it to school to be voted on. Makaylee worked so hard on her Pirate Pumpkin. She did most of the work herself, and the night before the contest it was all she could talk about. She had it sleep close to her so that she wouldn't forget it in the morning, and when morning came she hopped out of bed and grabbed her pumpkin first thing.

Then she said the breakfast prayer. . . "Heavenly Father, please help me to win 1st place at the pumpkin contest. . . or at least 2nd or third. . .pause. . . "(I started to bite my lip, because innocent prayers like these make me nervous that her faith will be shaken.) Then she continued. . . "But if I don't win it's okay. . . because I still need to tell the kids that won 'good job' and, . . . if I don't win it's okay. . . because as long as Mommy likes it, and Daddy likes it. . . and that I tried my hardest, that is what really matters. . . Amen" (I realized all at once that I was the one lacking faith, and I had to hurry and wipe a tear from my eye before her eager eyes popped open.)

I won't say that there weren't tears when she didn't win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place. I realize that part of growing up is learning how to handle disappointment, but this kid sure has a good 'pumpkin' on her shoulders!