Overcoming

Character is built day by day. Character is built in facing difficult circumstances and in overcoming. Sometimes when we are in the middle of our day to day life, our perspective isn't what it should be. During difficulties, we may only see our problems and our circumstances may seem too difficult to overcome. But, if we keep our eyes on Jesus and trust that in all things, God has a plan for us, our mindset can help us overcome.

Jaret has been challenged in a few areas in the past week that have helped to build his character. The first was a field trip to the Olympic Oval. Jaret was a little nervous about the field trip but had a positive attitude. I was fortunate to join him on the field trip. I felt swamped at work but decided that these moments pass too quickly and realized that I have very few field trip opportunities ahead with Jaret. It was a unique experience and gave me a whole new appreciation for speed skaters. Jaret did well on speed skates but struggled with the instructor he had and with the pain that one of the skates caused him the whole time. The heel dug in and was very uncomfortable but he persevered through it. There were a number of instructors who worked with the students but the instructor that Jaret had was pretty intense and his personality and approach did not fit well with many of the students.

The second challenge that Jaret faced was the Science Fair. He and Tomisin worked hard on their project - The Five Second Rule. And let me tell you, after seeing their results, I definitely will not make use of the five second rule in the future. The challenge he faced was in the disappointment of not placing. He and Tomisin thought they had a good chance at getting in the top three and they came so very close but in the end, did not medal. Dealing with disappointment isn't easy but Jaret held himself together. A lesson learned - not to let disappointment discourage him to the point of tears but to trust in God. Jaret stayed positive, and picked himself up - relying on God's strength and hope.

A highlight I had with Jaret this week was on Tuesday after school. Kirra was at dance and I had plans to get some items checked off my to do list. Instead, Jaret asked if he could come with me to Starbucks to do some homework. I was fine with this and figured I could continue to get some work done. However, that didn't happen as Jaret made mention that he was working on a prayer journal for school and asked if he could interview me as part of his project. It was an opportunity and I closed my computer to give him by full attention. It was a true blessing to have this time with him. A time to have a spiritual conversation with Jaret about prayer. And in this conversation, he blessed me. I am so proud of his profound thinking and his deepening faith. I am excited to see how he continues to grow deeper in his relationship with Christ.