March 7, Losing Gracefully
March 7, 2010 by Puna
Filed under My Project 365
My little girl got a hard lesson last weekend at her meet. It was the first time we’ve had a meet since the beginning of December because of all the snow. It was unsafe for the horses to be out in the ice so many of the horses didn’t get as much exercise as usual. The girls rode as much as they could but the snow was a deterrent to getting to the farm for most. And parents, like us, didn’t want to get stuck in the farm driveway.
This meet was rescheduled twice. When they finally had competed, I thought they all looked great and performed even better. However, they did lose the meet by one point. It was heart breaking for them since it was their first team loss in two years.
Here is a photo of the girl riding next to the girl that beat her all day. The first loss was shrugged off, the second loss was gracefully accepted, the last loss was met with a quivering lower lip. I wouldn’t have wanted the “You can’t win them all” speech either so I stayed silent.
It was a hard lesson in grace, humility and letting go.
These photos are SOOC since I’m running late for church. No time to edit.
“He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.” Proverbs 3:34
Posted on SOOC Saturday and Spiritual Sunday.
Good for the girl to keep her grace though it all! You’re teaching her well, Puna!
I know several adults that would do well to take sportsmanship lessons from the girl. In my eyes, she is definitely a winner.
BTW, I added a new link for you at my place. Yours wasn’t working when I clicked.
OK – so this is your SOOC ~ love that first picture with all the horse and girls
Aww, it’s hard to lose…but it’s something we all need to learn now and then.
i’m sure you were choking back your own tears. as any mom would be.
The sermon at our church this morning was on humility. It is always hard to lose, but it does help to make one humble. Next time when she wins it will probably be even sweeter than if she won them all. It is a good life lesson. No one wins all the time.
The horses are beautiful.
Blessings,
Charlotte
losing always makes me fight harder the next time. But she does deserve extra hugs and love today.
So hard to imagine snow anywhere getting in the way of people’s daily lives! We have had a very mild winter here. Have a good week!
This is real life. It is hard to see our kids learn these lessons. How wonderful that your daughter has a wise mom to guide her.
I look forward to reading more of your blog.
I don’t know much about horse shows, but thanks for sharing part of your day.
It is tough when you don’t win. Better luck next time!
With grace like this the day will come soon that she will win.
God Bless,
Ginger