Extraordinary Kids

I've been thinking recently about awards and honors. We have just gone through a season of awards and honors programs that could make a person's head spin and puff up with pride. God has blessed us with great girls and they have won or earned some really nice awards. I have heard of a publication that is devoted especially to children who do extraordinary things that could change our world. That's really nice but if we aren't careful all the awards and accolades would lead some to have wrong thoughts-such as, a person is only worthwhile if he does something"big".
But what really makes an extraordinary kid? While some kids are out and about and stumble on a great act to do, others are working consistently day in and day out to do what's right. I find it extraordinary to see someone work hard on the task at hand every day, even though he might never receive any credit for his work. It is difficult to buckle down and do the mundane of chores and school work over and over. As we train our children it is important that they are taught the work, but then they must be held accountable to do the work.
I'm often guilty of giving my girls their chores then not following through to make sure they have completed the task to the best of their ability. Then, if they didn't do a great job I get mad and complain. What I should be doing more often is checking behind them, praising good work and giving consequences for poor work.
Pictures are: Hannah at top learning to handle the tiller in the garden; then, Rachel, Sarah and Mary at the end of the year soccer party.