We have been trying to talk Maddie into going off the diving board all summer. She would jump off the side of the pool...off the steps and swim forever in the deep end but she absolutely refused to jump off the diving board. We really didn't pressure her...but we knew she was afraid and just like with every other fear Maddie has had, we have met it head on with her. I knew she would LOVE it if she would just try. Yesterday, we went to the pool with some of our close friends and we were just about to get out of the pool when Maddie tells me she wants to jump off the diving board. I even looked at my friend and said, "She has said this before and she will even walk to the edge of the board...but she WON'T jump in!" So Maddie steps up on that board and she looks down at me and says, "Mom,it is really high!" I said, "I know, but it will be fine...you will like it." So she jumps...I was shocked...it took me a minute to realize what she had done. She didn't even jump to me...I was fully prepared to catch her...she actually jumped away from me as if to make a statement. She came up out of the water laughing...she was thrilled and begged me to let her do it again. (of course I said an enthusiastic,"YES!") Not only did she jump a few more times off the board, but she also went down the BIG blue slide...it is pretty tall and very twisty..she climbed all the way up there herself and came shooting out bottom first.
So why do we make a BIG deal about her jumping off the diving board??? I'm sure a few of you are wondering why I would write so much about such a little thing. Well if you have kids, I'm sure you have experienced a moment like this. Maybe it wasn't jumping off the diving board but it was when your kid first "got it" about toilet training or the first day you dropped them off at school(we are approaching that moment in the next few weeks).
It is a wonderful thing when you kid overcomes their fears or finally hurdles that obstacle to see what is on the other side. We have had MANY moments like these with Maddie and Wyatt and I anticipate a hundred thousand more. It's when you get to see them grow and mature and see them tuck it away for the next time they get afraid of something or think that something is too big for them. So this is just one proud mama bragging on what to me IS a big accomplishment. I knew she would jump off that diving board this summer...I knew it the day we first walked into the swim club and mentioned it to her. I knew it because of who she is meant to be, we are not raising her with a spirit of fear...so she is STANDING (or should I say JUMPING) FIRM!
"For God has not given you a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, and love, and of sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7
Nana and Papaw sent Maddie a cookie bouquet to say "congrats!" It is flip flops and a sun...very summery and she couldn't wait to eat them!
Daddy and Maddie
Eating her cookie
She even shared with Wyatt...he LOVED the orange icing.
Cute little thing
Momma and her girl
Of course I do not have the video of the first time she jumped...I didn't even have my camera yesterday. But this video is of tonight...I love that she doesn't even hesitate anymore. Even Grandma came to the pool just to see her jump.
My old church is located in the heart of Downtown Dallas.
Old friends...Annie, Jill and I.
This guy flew in from Oregon...he was one of my best friends in high school! It was so good to see you Josh!
Another one of my favorite directors...Grady Chism.
