practice and performance

If I am to press on with my intention for these forty of Lent and the ongoing race that the Apostle Paul speaks of, I’m giving myself permission to start my practice with baby steps. If I trip up or fall, might I have the grace to get back up and pick up where I’ve left off. The Olympics offer both illustration and inspiration during this first week of Lent. Last night’s figure skaters set good examples for me. U.S. skater, Rachel Flat, reminded me of this quote by Padre Pio: "Be content to progress in slow steps until you have legs to run and wings with which to fly." Rachel began skating at three years of age. Beginning with baby steps, and developing a faithful practice regimen, over the past 14 years, she has developed into an Olympian. Even so, “rising to the moment and the skate of her life,” (quoting the commentator’s rink side critique) Rachel, had the lowest score of the top seven skaters.
Most of these skaters, in the final set of last night’s competition, demonstrated that with in their individual disciplines, there was a margin of error. That didn’t stop them from giving it their best shot. For one, her best attempt involved several missteps and a fall. World class skater that she is, she picked herself up and continued with her long program as though nothing had happened. Final marks took that fall into consideration however, and she too, was out of medal contention. Another demonstrated costly errors and her hopes for Olympic gold were dashed. A fourth contender skated her personal best and yet, for me, there was nothing note worthy about her routine. Joannie Rochette, the stuff of Olympic legend, persevering with grace and dignity under her great sorrow, came away with the bronze. During one performance, commentator Scott Hamilton, suggested that a skater was “playing it safe – going through the motions.” Yet this Japanese skater captured the silver medal. Under intense pressure of expectations for perfection,South Korean,Kim Yu-na, delivered and won the top prize – Olympic gold.
Meanwhile, I plod along through these forty days – grateful that I can do so without the scrutiny of critical judges - grateful that there are no commentators evaluating my every move; grateful that no intricate scoring system is set in place to grade my performance; grateful that no Choctaw turns, triple toe loops, sit spins or spirals are required of me. Lent is a time for practice – not performance.