Never knew

Last summer my daughter and I had the privledge of attending my nephew and neice's swim meet. Honestly my first thought was "Boring!" but my oldest sister was so excited and she kept telling me how much fun it was. We went and except for the fact that my daughter fell (fully dressed) into the pool (probably walking so close because she was told she can not get in!) we had a blast. Now admittedly they were not my children I was rooting for but I had a great time. My sister on the other hand was beside herself. Her daughter was doing better than ever and her oldest was setting records. She could hardly stay in her seat.
Flash forward to today and I have a WHOLE new appreciation for my sister's enthusiasm! Maggie has been playing basketball and each week we have seen noted improvement. Today however was AWESOME! Several times during the game she had her hands on the ball and yet she has yet to make a basket. Her defense is awesome and today her offense was tight. (She even received the star for best offense after the game. Then during the second half of the game she stole the ball from the opposing team. Darrel and I were holding our breath! She headed for the goal, her dribbling was good and in control, friends from all around were hollering "Go Maggie!" She turned and lined up perfectly for the shot! Then, "She shoots! She Scores!" I had both hands in the air whooping and hollering like I just saw the Spurs win the championship again! I had tears in my eyes and so did Darrel. Then to see the look on Maggie's face was priceless. Her smile was ear to ear and she looked like she was going to cry! Everyone was clapping and yelling "Way to Go!" After the game we were stopped by friends and strangers who wanted her to know that was the greatest shot the had seen in the whole game. She was beaming! Even now retelling the details I am a little misty-eyed. I had no idea how much joy comes from watching your child do something amazing!
Just thinking about how Darrel and I felt watching that shot I am reminded that that is how God feels when he looks down on us. When we have worked hard, stayed focused and succeeded at something we had never done before God jumps up throws his hands in the air and whoops and hollers for us! I am humbled at the cheering crowd He has for each of us.

Dear Father God, I have read that you and the saints pray for us. I know that when hard times come you are there encouraging me to try hard and not give up. I pray that I give you many reasons to jump out of your seat and cheer! But most of all I thank you. Thank you for blessing me indeed!