Do you remember the first prize you ever won? I do.
When I was very small, I played a game at a birthday party. Somehow, I won the prize, which was a kaleidoscope. I couldn’t believe it. In fact, I tried to give it back to them. When they finally convinced me it was mine to keep, I was absolutely thrilled. Let me tell you, I liked the feeling of winning that prize.
From that point on, I wanted to win more prizes, but the only ones available when I was a kid were field day ribbons. So, I competed in as many events as they would let me. I figured that increased my chances of winning a ribbon. Over the years, I won a lot more second and third place ones than the blue ones for first place. I really didn’t mind as long as I had a shiny ribbon to take home.
Then my desire for a prize went up a notch. If you read my article, “Bowling Shock,” you know that my parents were on a bowling team that won the league championship one year. When they came home with their bowling trophies, I thought they were the most magnificent things I had ever seen. Each was encased in shiny gold with bright red strips running down the front.
On the tops were little figurines in the stance of throwing a bowling ball. Needless to say, I wanted a trophy of my own. Unfortunately, I had no way of obtaining one. It was so frustrating. I whined and whined.
Looking back, I feel sorry for my family. I didn’t realize how much I was whining until that Christmas when I opened my present from Mamaw Girdle/Myrtle. It wasn’t a toy, a game, or clothes—instead it was a sweet little statuette with the words: “World’s Greatest Granddaughter,” written across the pedestal.
Mamaw leaned over to me and said: “Now, you have a trophy.”
“Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4 (KJV)
I think this verse isn’t referring to earthly desires such as shiny ribbons or trophies. If you have a close relationship with the Lord, then your heart’s desires will reflect His as well. Those are the ones He will give you.
After that Christmas, I began to play softball and I won two trophies. Here’s the funny part: I have absolutely no idea where they are now, but I still have my granddaughter trophy. I even took a picture of it for this article. It sits on the top of my writing desk. Each time I look at it, God blesses me with sweet memories of my loving Mamaw.
Brooke Cox is an author, speaker, and storyteller. She was a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist for Debut Novel. Her children’s book: “Dinosaur Eggs,” is now available. It is based on Ephesians 6: The Armor of God. Her novel “Until the Moon Rises: A Conniving Cousin Mystery” is also available. Also, she has two books out in her storytelling series: “Saucy Southern Stories.” The Amazon links for her books may be found on her website: brookecoxstories.com. Please feel free to contact her. She would love to hear from you.