The Virtuous Daughter Magazine Fall 2017 edition Cherish | Page 50

“I’m so glad I caught you!”

“What is it Mrs. Hall?”

“I was going to mention it to
you after class today, and I forgot,” she
paused, trying to catch her breath. “I
was wondering... the school’s annual
spelling contest is coming up in about
two weeks. I thought you would be a
great student to participate! What do
you think?”

“Wow! That’s quite an honor! Yes,
I would—“ Tyra quickly stopped herself.
There it was again; her father’s words
about slowing down and having God be
her most cherished thing in life, rather
than her activities. She really did love
spelling
contests and good competition, but she
loved God even more, and she realized
that being involved in another activi-
ty meant taking more time away from
God.

Tyra took a deep breath, “You
know what, Mrs. Hall? I would really
love to participate in the contest, but I’m
a little over-committed right now. I bet-
ter sit this one out. Thanks for thinking
of me, though!”

“Of course dear, I understand.
Maybe next year, huh?” Tyra smiled and
nodded her head.

Later that night, when Tyra’s father
returned home from work, she excitedly
ran up to him and gave him a giant hug.

“What was that for?” he asked,
with a smile in his voice.

“Just for being you!” Tyra said.
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“Also, I thought about what you said,
and I realized you were right. I wasn’t
taking the time to be with God because
I thought my schedule wouldn’t allow it.
I was too concerned with my activities
and what
people would think of me if I said “no” to
something.”

“Ah, so it sounds like you were
cherishing the wrong
things.”

“I realize that now,” Tyra said sadly.
“But I’m thankful that
God is a forgiving God and that I have a
dad who gives me
wonderful advice and encouragement!”
Her father smiled and gave her one more
hug.
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