Sometimes the victories don't look like a win.

This week Brooklyn ran in her first student council race. She thought hard about which office she really wanted and why. She stayed up late designing campaign posters and writing speaches. She poured her time, effort and heart into running for a highly contested position (because what 6th grader doesn't like taking pictures?!). And although she didn't come out as the winner in this race, she definitely came out victorious.

You see, this is the child that teachers have described for years as timid and soft spoken. Over the past several months, we've witnessed a transformation in her. I've always seen her as a leader and reminded her frequently of those that are watching her every move, but it's starting to really come alive inside of her now and it's so fun to watch her grow in what God has for her. Even a year ago, she would not have been willing to step out and do something like this. Best of all, even though she was disappointed in the loss, she was genuinely happy for those that did win their races. She talked about it with a smile, had fun with he process and didn't walk away with bitterness or self-pity. I know way too many adults that couldn't walk that out! Proud doesn't even begin to describe it!

One of the greatest lessons we can learn in life is how to lose. No one enjoys losing, but those who can learn from it and move forward are the ones that will see victory after victory later. I believe, in everything we do, every season of life, we have unending opportunities to learn things that we will use to either elevate ourselves [really God within us], or those around us, later on. So, next time we face a loss, instead of getting bitter or turning to [cough, cough] social media for justice, let’s handle it with grace, take a note from this middle school tween and walk away with dignity. Take time to reflect on the factors you could have controlled, examine what you should have done differently, and refocus so we’re ready to face what’s next! That could possibly be the real victory you needed in the experience after all. "You only lose if you quit", right?