Best Encourager

Corinne participated in the Winshape C3 Camp at the Methodist Church last week. It was an awesome week of fun games and teaching about God being Enough in our lives. Corinne's activities were cheerleading, gymnastics and science. It was a great experience for her and a good introduction to camp without having to go out of town and spend the night away.

On the last day of camp, the families of the campers were invited to spend the day going through the tracks to see what our kids had been doing all week. First up was gymnastics. Corinne went through her routines and she was so thrilled with herself. At the end of the session, the instructor passed out awards to three of the campers. One of the awards was for the camper all week who had really cheered on her friends and kept everyone's spirits up. This was the Best Encourager Award, and it was given to Corinne.



This award really fits Corinne, and it warmed my heart as her mother when she received it. It's not because I've just instilled in her encouraging words and she's a reflection of my great inspiration — it's who she is. I truly believe this is a gift given to her by God that, up until this point, I have been woefully inadequate at helping her to cultivate (does that sound like a mother's guilt or what?). It probably has something to do with the fact that I don't get to witness "Best Encourager" behavior when she's with her brother...but that's another story.

Another example of this was at the swim team banquet where she received The Most Spirited Award for her swimming group. While she was spending her time diligently swimming her workouts every day, she still found time in between swims and sets to bolster her teammates, and her coach.

Corinne has really had a desire to be a cheerleder, and for various reasons, it hasn't worked out for her to participate in that sport. I think the reason she really wants to be a cheerleader is because it really would fill a deep need inside her to encourage and cheer on other people. I'm looking for other ways to fulfill that need for her (I would take any suggestions).

I'm guessing the best way to cultivate this gift in my daughter is to be her Best Encourager, to tell her when she's doing a great job, and to point out when she could do better. And that's in all areas of her life...not just in sport. It's funny what a huge role sports have played in my life, and I think this is why: there's always a lesson to be learned, especially when you least expect it.