the coloring contest

Several weeks ago, Wubs and Bella entered a coloring contest at our pediatrician's office. Emma Grace loves to draw and color, so this contest was very exciting for her! She worked very hard on her picture, and she daydreamed about the prize. Bella also likes to color, but she didn't really understand the concept of a coloring contest. The girls each completed a coloring sheet and we submitted them during one of JJ's doctor appointments. Then, we recieved a letter in the mail. Bella had won the coloring contest in her age division! Wow!

 We rejoiced with Bella and we all celebrated! She recieved a certificate that indicated her prize could be redeemed at the front desk of the doctor's office. Bella couldn't believe it! She was thrilled! Wubs was happy for her sister, but she was also a little bit...well... heart-broken.
I could tell she was fighting back tears as she watched Bella study her winning certificate. I hugged her and she looked up at me with sad eyes. The Holy Spirit prompted me to take advantage of this teachable moment. We talked about the artistic gift God has given Emma Grace and that wouldn't change if she didn't win a contest or get a prize. I explained to Wubs that God always does what is best for us, and this time, God wanted to teach Wubs a lesson that she could not have learned if she hadn't experienced this disappointment. Together, we remembered  difficult times when God has blessed our family, even through our tears, and how we have learned to trust Him even more because of those hard times. I shared with Wubs that God's ways are not our ways, and sometimes, we just won't understand until we get to heaven. Wubs cried a little bit and I hugged her and kissed her sweet little face. The Lord comforted her heart and Emma Grace perked up in no time. The two sisters started daydreaming about the prize and Bella promised to share it with Wubs! I praised God for this minor trial, because even though it was small, it made a big impact in Wub's heart. And this situation also taught Bella to have compassion for her big sister. The very next day, we headed to the doctor's office to pick up Bella's prize:

Hmmmm.... what could it be?

What a minute! I think I know what it is!

It's a gift card to Wal-Mart! And a free kid's meal from Chic-fil-a!

 After opening her prize envelope, the very first thing Bella said was, "Mommy! I can buy candy me and Wubs some candy!!!" Her little heart was filled with joy to share her winnings! We went to the store so the girls could shop for treats!

Choices, choices! The girls decided on Charleston Chews and Cookie Dough bites! YUM!

Congratulations Bella and Wubs!

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."- Colossians 4:2