Two years ago I used the same title: E had been chosen as
one of seven finalists in her age group in a national writing contest – “Un Cuento Celeste” – sponsored by AUF (the Uruguayan Football Association).
She participated again this year.
Although she did not place this time, we decided to attend Thursday evening’s awards ceremony to visibly support the educational effort represented.
She was (and we were!) surprised by an unsought and unplanned
opportunity...
Photo credit: Asociación Uruguaya de
Fútbol
I’ve been a bit discouraged in the past several weeks – given
current issues and challenges on the educational landscape (both general and
personal) – and specifically asking my Loving Shepherd to intervene in unmistakable,
encouraging ways...
“Thank-you, God!”
Photo credit: Asociación Uruguaya de
Fútbol
Although we’d crossed paths only three times previously with
AUF’s Chief Press Officer, each time was a delight; he is such a humble, perceptive,
personable professional! On Thursday when we “bumped into” him as we entered
the auditorium where the awards ceremony was about to take place, he
congratulated E. We quickly explained that she hadn’t won this time – but we were there
to show our support for the contest. He was visibly appreciative...
As E and I filed into that last row, I overheard him asking
JM for E’s name; I hurried her into her seat! (E later confessed that she overheard
him asking for her last name, too.) I assumed he might acknowledge her (as a
participant in the contest), asking her to stand for a moment (or something
to that effect).
Instead, at the very end of the introductory remarks by sponsors
and one of the jurors, he started to tell how, on his way into the auditorium,
he had run into a contestant from a previous year and congratulated her; he told
how he was surprised to learn that, although she had not won this time, she was there
to show solidarity and congratulate current winners. He then proceeded to
invite her to the front – to help give out the gifts!
Video: Asociación Uruguaya de
Fútbol
Having gone with
the objective of a teachable moment – “rejoice with those who rejoice” (in the words of Paul in Romans 12) – we were
surprised by extra joy! E was given amazing opportunity to live out the very values
(“respect, solidarity and friendship”) highlighted by this writing contest.
The hoped-for
teachable moment was turned into an incredible, rewarding experience for our
family. “Better than winning!” JM and I agreed; this is the type of learning
experience we will remember for life.
I love the mentor’s vision of Maestro Tabárez, our national team
coach, and his legacy as the teacher he is, instilling values through his work
with the team and the soccer association. “¡Gracias, Maestro!”
And I’m thankful beyond words for his assistant’s insight in
recognizing and seizing what he recognized as a teachable moment, too. “¡Gracias, Matías!”
In Tabárez’s own words: “¡El camino es la recompensa!” (“The journey is the reward!”)
And I’m SO thankful for *another
hug* from our Loving Shepherd!
(And we got to
enjoy the book fair, too!)
