Lessons In Perseverance

It was a loooong time in coming!

First a bit of background: Our boys (and my husband) have been participating in our AWANA Grand Prix for many years. But we've never been what you might call "successful." Oh, we've had fun, mind you. But our cars were not ever truly competitive.

There was that first year when our oldest son's car got stuck on the decline of the track. That's right...it got stuck going downhill. There is nothing worse than the pained look in your kid's eyes when he turns around as if saying, "Daaaaad. "

Then there was the time one of our vehicles lost a wheel. And there were countless times we simply came in dead last. Oh, lots of good has come from it. We've had numerous opportunities to discuss good sportsmanship, as well as rejoicing with those who rejoice!

Last year we actually bribed our boys, promising that if we could forgo participation in the Grand Prix, we'd do something else fun that night. They agreed. We tried that tactic again this year, but they were adamant that they wanted to compete in the Grand Prix...much to my husband's chagrin.

He'd be the first to admit that making these cars is not his forte. But he and the boys were resolved to persevere. This year they sought outside help from friends, learning exactly what to (and what not to) do. The three of them worked as a team. The boys came up with their own designs and knew exactly what they wanted.

Well, long story short, their perseverance paid off! Our youngest son's car took 1st place, followed by our middle son's car in 2nd! Everyone in attendance was as shocked as we were...evidently our Grand Prix car reputation precedes us! Needless to say, there was much laughter and celebration!





Way to go, men!