My 3-year-old granddaughter Charlie will be in her first dance recital, and she is so excited. She couldn’t wait to try on her beautiful yellow costume; however, her joy was short-lived.

“It itches,” Charlie cried. And by ‘cried’ I mean she clutched at her costume, screamed and had a full-blown meltdown.

I examined the inside of the costume, cut away excess material and even sewed a soft fabric over some of the seams. I tried to fix her costume three times, but nothing helped. Charlie continued to complain.

Someone suggested numbing cream.

Although tempted to try that route, instead Charlie’s mom Monique said, “You’re just going to have to suck it up, wear the costume and do your dance.”

The recital is still a few days away, but I attended the dress rehearsal. By the time I got there, Charlie was already fully dressed and happy. She led her line, tapped her foot and smiled throughout the entire dance.

“Charlie, I’m so proud of you! Your dance is just beautiful!” I said.

“And, Lolli, I didn’t even cry. But my costume is still itchy!”

Charlie taught me an important lesson that day. Even when my circumstances don’t change, I can.

In Philippians 4:6,7, we are told to present our requests to God and His peace, the peace that transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds.

I want to be like Charlie. After handing my problem to God through prayer, even if the circumstances never change, I know that I can change. I can have God’s grace and peace to walk through challenging times, moving to the rhythm of God’s Word and smiling through it all.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.