Lesson to Self #12: Be really good at the little things

My husband and I attended the USAG Virginia State gymnastics championships this past weekend. Our granddaughter, a spunky and spry 10-year old was competing and had a great day, coming away with a podium finish in the all-around as well as individual medals in each of the four events. She was quite happy, and we continue to be enormously grateful for her God-given abilities.

Addy has been scoring quite well this season, after losing the entire 2024 season due to a badly broken arm and subsequent surgery. She has come back strong, showing resilience and conquering any remnants of fear and trepidation. That said, her golden ring of scores—a 38.00—remains to be earned. Sunday she came ever so close: 37.850 and that got me thinking.

That barely noticeable body position corrections on beam cost her 0.1 for each one. Her beautiful and graceful floor routine was ever so slightly off from the music. Another tenth or two deduction. Perhaps the judges saw her feet slightly misaligned: minus a fraction of a point. Correcting just one or two of these very small problems would have pushed her score beyond the hallowed 38.00.

She had no major breaks on any event, but the judges saw things that needed to be perfected. Though she scored a solid 9.5 on vault, on landing she took a step forward with one foot before drawing it back. This is not an uncommon execution error, but it becomes more understandable when watching the warm-up vaults. Almost without exception, the majority of young gymnasts walked out of their landings. They did not appear to fight for the all important “stick.” So even though the actual vault itself may have been excellent, failure to prioritize a rock-solid landing in practice made it difficult to do so in competition.

In the gym or anywhere, I am reminded of the need to be faithful in the small things. Pay attention to the details. Be excellent in every aspect of our endeavors. Don’t get caught thinking that the seemingly insignificant minutiae are just that—insignificant. Because they aren’t.

If we ignore the little things, our big things will never be the best.

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See prior posts for Lessons 1-11

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Lesson to Self #11: Seek quiet

 

There it was. A boulder among boulders tucked into the steep ridge line. 

Directly trail-side, it wooed the passerby to sink into its bowl-shaped curvature and lean against the naturally molded backrest. Once seated, the struggle of tackling the terrain was carried away on the wings of the gentle breeze. With trekking poles set to the side, the world became quiet. Not devoid of sound, given the rustle of scurrying squirrels through leaves and cacophony of birdsong. But the solitude I felt was calming. Across the valley, verdant mountains covered in green rose against the blue sky, wispy clouds playing on currents of air. I doubted the presence of another human within miles and miles. I took it all in before continuing my journey, refreshed, renewed, and restored.

The world is a noisy place—literally and figuratively. Sounds of traffic and sirens. Music blaring through speakers. Social media touting messages often intended to raise the ire of the reader. But life is noisy in other ways: long “have to do” lists, busyness, rushing from one thing to the next. The constant noise can deflate the soul, ushering in feelings of despair, loneliness, and perpetual motion.

But the wise intentionally seek respite. As the Psalmist proclaims, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest” (Psalm 55:6). And again he writes, “But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me” (Psalm 131:2).

Oh, that we come to understand that quiet REST is a critical element of RESToration of mind, body, and soul.

 What can we do today to seek quiet and rest, even if for a few precious minutes?

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See prior posts for Lessons 1-10.

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Lesson to Self #10: Be kind and caring

It was a beautiful wedding in so many ways. The bride was a former Division 1 athlete whom I had the privilege of mentoring for several years. The groom, a commercial pilot, I had never met. Still, I was thrilled to be invited to this matrimonial celebration.

My husband and I were seated for dinner at the table with the groom’s grandma, two sisters and their husbands, and his younger brother. We wondered if we would have anything to talk about.

Our wondering came to an abrupt halt when we realized that they all lived in my hometown, had attended the same high school as me, and were members of the home church of my youth in Perkasie, PA. Though it had been 48 years since I left that area, we knew some of the same people, now the elder members of the congregation. But the most startling find was that they knew—and loved—my dear mother!

“She was so kind and caring every time I visited her. She even remembered that I had a granddaughter at Liberty University,” shared Grandma. “She was such a wonderful woman.”

As news spread to other family members and friends who had traveled down from the same area, a number of folks approached me asking, “Are you Margaret DeLancey’s daughter? Oh, how we miss her.”

It made my heart happy to be reminded of my mother’s influence even in her last days when life was hard. It was always about the other person.

If in 48 years one of my sons finds himself at a wedding only to realize that another guest knew his mother, I wonder what would be said of her? It certainly is a reminder that our impact—for good or bad—is likely to follow us beyond the years we live.

Lesson to Self #9: Be Respectful

Yesterday I had the distinct privilege of speaking to a roomful of enthusiastic high school students. Prior to my first word, they did what high school kids naturally do in a cool setting: play ping pong, chat, and finish off their Starbucks drinks. But once called to attention, they quickly took their seats and settled in.

I had roughly 30 minutes to story tell, urging them to courageously embrace doing hard things. I did not see any student who failed to listen intently, some leaning forward in their seats as if to capture each word more effectively. And when I was finished and the principal asked some questions of me, she opened the floor to the students. Several quickly raised a hand to offer their perspective on the topic before the entire group gathered around to interact with me up close and personal. This group could have easily become the poster children of respectful behavior.

I contrast that experience with another encounter, this time all high school seniors at another school. Very few lent their attention to me as I stood in front of them. Instead, they consistently held conversations with neighbors and refused to engage when asked. They were disruptive throughout. Every attempt to draw them in failed miserably. I left feeling the brunt of their blatant disrespect.

So I ask myself: How respectful am I? Do I give my undivided attention to my husband when he decides to describe the work he has been doing on his beloved Corvettes or motorcycles when I am engaged in watching a favorite HGTV show? Do I work hard at being attentive when listening to a sermon? Am I gracious with my speech when referring to another’s perspective with whom I heartily disagree?

Respect is a social skill that society seems to be losing in droves. Just listen to the harsh rhetoric and personal insults that are omnipresent on social media outlets. But before I cast stones, I must start with me, myself, and I, ensuring that my level of respect is beyond reproach. I can agree to disagree but my words and conduct need to be filled with grace, love, faith, and purity everyday and always.

"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12 ESV)
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See prior posts for Lessons 1-8

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