Kennedy's Choice

Recently Kennedy had a really tough decision to make. 

She still struggles to make close and lasting friends at school. It had been more than a year since she had been invited to a birthday party so when she read the invitation from a friend she was jumping up and down, so excited!... Until she read that it was on a Sunday. She totally crumpled up in tears, and my heart was in shreds just seeing her. We stick to family stuff on Sundays, and have always declined to attend birthday parties on that day. Generally, it's a family day and the day we go to church, a day of rest.

Nathan and I spent several days discussing and praying and thinking with Kennedy about whether or not she should go. As we watched her agonize over what she should do, we were sorely tempted to just send her on her way and tell her to have a great time. But we knew it was important that Kennedy make the choice, and more importantly, be comfortable with whatever choice she made. 

I was so proud of her honesty with her feelings and her courage to do what she knew was the right choice for her (because let's face it, there are a lot worse ways to spend a Sunday other than celebrating your friends Birthday!). But she believed that the principle of keeping the Sabbath day holy was important.

In the end she decided she wouldn't go, but was still heartbroken to be left out of the fun. So Nathan came up with the idea for an outdoor movie night where she could be proactive about making friends. The offer sealed the deal, Kenna was suddenly inspired and excited. 

It was so fun to watch her make her list of who she would invite, and sweet too, as she explained to me that two of the girls she didn't really know but had noticed that they didn't have many friends either. Who is this child? And how was I so blessed to have her?!

Seven out of eight girls were able to come and thanks to our unusual but wonderfully mild winter, it was actually one of the first days where it hit 70*. It was truly a perfect night for an outdoor movie . 

Mirror Mirror was the movie of the night and a giant hit. An impromptu dance party ensued when the credits rolled, the perfect finale.
I am so proud that Kennedy chose to keep the Sabbath day holy. I'm grateful that she used faith in making a decision that was difficult. I am humbled that she recognizes that she kept her promise regarding Sunday, and she was not penalized for it. The chance to make friends and have fun might not have happened how she first expected it, but turned out even better than she had hoped.
Of all the "parenting" and interactions that go on between us and our children, the clear successes seem somewhat non-existent elusive. I was grateful Kennedy threw us a bone on this one. Love that girl.