This last weekend, my daughter Amber competed in the Miss Teen of Texas competition. Now, before you start judging me with visions of "Toddlers and Tiaras" running through your head, let me explain more. This competition is not a beauty pageant. In fact, it has nothing to do with beauty or talent. There are no crowns given, only medallions, because medallions are a symbol of excellence. ...And excellence is what we want our daughters to strive for, right? I believe in this program because it has everything to do with who I want my daughter to be on the inside! The scoring is based on the following criteria: 15% - Scholastic Record (yes, we had to turn in transcripts and report cards!) 15% - Community Service and Achievement. 15% - General Awareness test. 15% - Personality projection and poise. 15% - Personal development. 25% - Interview with the judges.
Well, Amber has been involved in this program since she was in the 3rd grade. In the younger age divisions, it's called the Distinguished Youth of America, or in Texas, the Distinguished Youth of Texas program. For seven of the last eight years, we have spent Thanksgiving weekend at this program. Some may think it's been a sacrifice...but not me. I've seen how it has helped develop Amber into the beautiful person she is today. To make a long story short, Amber ended up placing in the top 6 at the Miss Teen of Texas competition, took home a medallion, and held her head high for accomplishing what she did -- no regrets.
So this morning as I try to assimilate back into my routine, and as I contemplate the wild emotional ride for me as a parent the last three days, I have to bring it back to God...and what He expects. Now think about it. We had to prepare a resume of everything Amber has done and accomplished in her short fifteen years of life. If you had to prepare a resume of your Christian deeds, Christian involvement, Christian development, what would you put down? No, being a Christian is not about deeds. It's about your relationship with Christ. But as you develop your relationship with Christ, good works are a natural outcome of Him working in you. So again, I have to ask myself, am I pursuing my relationship with Christ in all areas of my life? If my "Christian resume" was put under a microscope and evaluated, would God consider my life one of excellence?
Before the final program, we reminded Amber of two verses. Truth be told, she is so grounded, she really didn't need to be reminded...but I needed to say it probably more for me. (What mom doesn't want their child to be 'the best'?) Romans 8:28 "All things work together for good to those who love God and who are called according to His purpose." and I Corinthians 10:31 "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
So today, are these verses your mantra as well? Are your decisions based on what will glorify Him? Are you seeking Christ-like excellence in all areas of your life? What would your spiritual resume say? What would God, the ultimate judge, say about you? How would He rank you?
I'm thankful once again for the children God has given to me to help me see more Spiritual truths. May I seek excellence in all areas of my life, not just the ones people see on a day-to-day basis. Lord, let me do all to Your glory, so You will see me as one of your children of excellence!
---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com
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