Livy

Livy participated in Cross Country. She was asked to come be a companion runner for the shortest girl in the picture. She found she could do harder things than she imagined. And she found a sport that supports ice cream cones after practice. She also really enjoyed the shared friendship with a group also doing hard things enjoying then enjoying ice cream. There might be some good life lessons in that. 

She got some press space on the local sports page on Facebook. 

She ends her school day singing with these kids, then changes clothes and runs with the cross country team. This has been the best start to a school year I could have hoped for. I definitely prayed for divine intervention that something could be good for her in high school. A local school has everything cooking, a strong art and music program among other desirable school day offerings. Our school does not. Last year they didn't have any music. Through some rethinking and shuffling the teacher found room in her full day to teach high school choir. How blessed we have been through the years by teachers willing to give more. To spend extra time on the arts. How frustrating it is to watch post after facebook post on teachers who give lots of time to their hobbies and express frustration over what they are asked to do during the school days. 

The motto that was guiding the beginning of the cross country year was "choices were made." That has rung in my ears this fall. Yes they are and consequences come. Sometimes that's winning, sometimes that's boredom, sometimes its a lot left on the table, and sometimes its a feast. Watching the young men who are senior runners accomplish great times this year it's so exciting because it takes years to be a state qualifier and winner. And it's so great when they don't give up and they get to that point after years, not days but years of not quiet making the cut. That takes a lot of determination and support from family and coaches and peers to keep going through injuries, set backs, falling short, and enduring the hot and cold continued practice. (writing is so good for the soul to put into life what you know and have witnessed but is roaming fragmented in my brain). 

And all this good expenditure of time has led to this friend and others which is so exciting. It's good to be known. For a long time we have been watching Livy take the world on her terms and this year she is letting the world know her and fitting just fine into this high school experience. She is getting good grades, managing all the time constraints, and happily going along. 

This is a great opening of a beautiful butterfly Livy. I am so thankful God has her in His hands perfectly orchestrating opportunities that she can grow and fulfilling her potential. Its hard to put into words the many years of prayers for each kiddo. The wondering who they are, working with them on their level with their personalities and struggles. Each has a different area that needs help and that comes easy. Each has different talents. When I panicked at the thought of helping develop talents in my kids when the oldest were very young, a wise friend said "the things they won't leave alone are their talents you will know and opportunities will open to develop them." Now about twenty years later that is what we have seen happen. Is everything superb? Nope. Do we have to stretch to find opportunities? yes. Do we pass on somethings? Yes. Do I still worry about it yep? Do kids resist, absolutely! But this has been a profound example of God showing me He is aware, and He makes things happen. So that's the reason for another Livy update. God has us, we just trust and keep putting in the preparation. 

This picture with friends made me smile. So many perks to team sports. 

With Reed at the FFA pumpkin carving. They said we don't smile for pictures. Then I found proof they do. Funny Kids. She won most creative. Reed won quickest carved. 

Next up leg surgery. She has gotten stronger and that will help her recover and give her a purpose to work toward as it will be painful but that will pass and she will be ready for more sporting adventures. Life is good.