I have a lot of grandnieces and grandnephews. I always wish I could really know each one and understand who they are becoming. Yesterday, I was blessed to get to know one just a little bit better.
Ryker has just turned 10. For a couple years already, gymnastics has been his favorite sport. This weekend, his team traveled to our city, Colorado Springs, to participate in a meet at the US Air Force Academy. We were so glad to have the opportunity to watch this young athlete compete in six events. I got to observe a side of him I never get to see at family events. He approached each challenge with a palpable display of both confidence and determination. His performances showed the high level of effort he has put into his practices. I got to see him exude grace under pressure. I got to see how he is growing into part of his team and sharing encouragement with others.
He did quite well, placing 1st in 2 of his events and 3rd in another. But for me, the best part was that I got to know him so much better. We barely had the chance to speak to one another, but I got to see him demonstrate the young man he is becoming.
I just sent him a congratulations note and included this quotation:
“In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins – not through strength but by perseverance.” H. Jackson Brown
