Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Disappointments

Has it ever seemed to you that a certain person gets everything handed to them, while you struggle to make a go of it? I know that I've felt that way many times. But often, it's the struggles and disappointments that make us stronger, deepen our faith, and make us better people in the end. That's not to say that we don't wonder why things happen the way they do, but we need to trust that our heavenly Father has our best interests at heart, even when we don't understand.



Three years ago, my children tried out for the play The Sound of Music. We live in a small town, and I was overwhelmed by the hundreds of people that turned out as we arrived at auditions. My children had never acted before, and other parents actually showed up with resumes for their children. I felt sick all evening, and ended up with a migraine. All the way home, I explained to the children that they may not get chosen, for there were so... many others there. Three days later, we received a phone call saying that all four children had been chosen for the play. I couldn't believe it. After 6 months of hard work, the play ran for a weekend, and was a huge success. The children were hooked on acting and Autumn made a wonderful friend that she had been longing for.



That fall, the children tried out for a local production of The Frog Prince. This production was put on by the Missoula Children's Theater. Every child that tried out was picked, and the play went very smoothly. We were highly impressed with the quality of the show, as the children had only one week to practice.



Last year, the children again tried out for The Little Mermaid, also put on by the Missoula Children's Theater. Again, the children all got parts, and had a wonderful time.



I think that you understand that each time my children have tried out for a play, they have gotten a part. Easy peasy.



This year Missoula is back in town and the play is Cinderella. Auditions were held last night. Only the girls were trying out this year, and they were excited about the play. It never crossed their minds, or mine for that matter, they they wouldn't get a part.



Never count your chickens before they hatch.



You've never seen two sadder faces as they walked off the stage without a rehearsal schedule in their hands. They were brave, and tried to smile, and I was proud of them for it. They didn't complain, they just sat, absorbing the shock.



I've heard Grandma say many times, "It's good to get your disappointments in while you're young." I've never understood that saying, but I do know that God has a reason for everything, and we must not question it, but try to understand that it is for our good, and His glory.

18 comments:

randi said...

Oh, this is a bummer. Even though this is a big disappointment, I know that God has His best in mind for them. Who knows, maybe another opportunity is coming?

Anonymous said...

Disappointment needs to happen to grow us in ways the Lord sees fit. I see it as preparation or pruning - which always hurts - and all of us experience it throughout life.

However, the mom in me hurts for your girls. ((( girlies )))

Jennifer said...

Oh, that stinks. I'll be praying for the perfect part to come along for both of them super quick!

Beck said...

Your poor munchkins.

Mrs. Anna T said...

I'm sorry for the disappointment, but at the same time agree with you, Tracy - it's still all a part of a special plan for each and every one of us; and it build the character! Without struggles and disappointments I had to face, I wouldn't be the person I am today!

Sharon said...

So sorry for their disappointment, but it is through these times that we can grow. Also, like Randi said, God might have a better role in mind for them. :-)

Karen said...

I'm sorry they were disappointed. I agree, though, with your grandma. It is something they all have to learn, but it still hurts our mother's heart, doesn't it.
I pray something better comes along soon.

Susan said...

Those kind of childhood disappointments are always so painful. Not only for the children but us parents, too. BUT it is part of real life and something we all have to learn to deal with.

There is always tomorrow and other opportunities :o)
Susan

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Stacie said...

Mrs. K,
I feel so sorry for Autumn and Abigail! I bet they are so dissapointed!! They are so awesome at acting! It really shocked me that they didn't make it. But you're right we know that all things work out for good to them that love the Lord. I was so blessed to have met Autumn in the Sound of Music too!!!! I keep thinking what if I hadn't of made it for the play..then Autumn and I probably wouldn't have ever met each other!!The Lord sure works in amazing ways!

Gena said...

My heart, being the heart of a mother, aches for your girls and for you. I do agree with your grandmother, as well, but it is still hard. We, as adults, expect disappointment at some point. When you're little, it is so much harder. I will send up a prayer for them and hope that something even more wonderful comes along.

Ruth said...

Well, bummer. I'm so sorry they didn't get a part.

Jennifer in MS said...

((hugs)) I'm sorry about the disappointment! I guess it is a part of life that grows us. I pray that they can hold their heads up high in the midst of this and try again in the future with more wisdom and even humility from the Lord.

Anonymous said...

I can only say how I know this hurts the kids and us as parents. Sometimes God allows us to walk through the hard times to stretch us and therefore cause us to grow and trust. In my own life I've grown the most in these difficult times rather then when life was easy and without much effort.

I hope and pray that the girls will look back over time and see God's hand in this situation. May they find that they were placed in a position to fully lean on Him, yet looking ahead to whatever His plan and purpose might be to bring about huge blessings in their lives. We know His hand is always on them...even when it's hard to see.

Front Porch Society said...

So sorry your girls did not make it this year. But that is great they have made it all the years before! :) Maybe next time they will be able to make it into the play again.

Julieann said...

OHHH Gentle Hugs to your girls!!!!

Your Grandmother is sooo right:)

Julieann

Short Stop said...

Oh, Tracy. I'm sure they were so disappointed, but it's so true...God sure uses these things to help us grow. You have such talented kids...they will have many, many opportunities in life!!

BTW, I was in the Sound of Music when I was 9...I was Marta and I still remember my lines! My brother and sister also made it into the cast. Funny how your story brought back so many memories!

Terri said...

Is it community or professional theater? If the children volunteer for back stage jobs, then they are at least at the theater meeting people who may do the casting next time around. If they were having a hard time choosing between 2 people, the balance might tip towards the one they know well and have seen work hard! Just a thought from an old community theater nut!
God bless.
Terri