Doing Hard Things

I absolutely love this picture. It represents my daughter doing something she absolutely did not want to do, something that was hard and something that was not a lot of fun for her. She went with the other youth in our church area on a pioneer trek for about three days with no showers, makeup, electronics, pillows, etc. There were many times she backed out and said she wasn't going. There were also many times when I was okay with that. After wrestling with it a little bit, ultimately Nate and I decided we really wanted her to go. We talked and pleaded and even had some sweet friends and leaders who encouraged her and tried to get her excited to go. In the end, I think she kind of wanted to do what was asked of her and, I sunk to a new level of parenting and told her she could get her driver's license if she went. I am so proud of her for doing it with a smile on her face, without anger (that I know of) and she did it well. Her example made me want to try to do what is asked of me without grumbling or anger, do it well and with a smile on my face. I love her for that and I believe we as parents, Amanda herself and even my other kids know there were many good things that came from this experience, especially for her as an individual. I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for having a hand in my children's lives; He loves them even more than I do and I am grateful He knows what experiences they need and hopefully once in a while as a parent I tune in and get the message He sends to help carry out His plan for them.