I had a delightful and inspiring therapy session yesterday morning.  A dear friend of mine is an ice skater - and a skating teacher.  Recently she has been "upping" her skills and taking tests before judges to qualify for various levels in her expertise and I had the pleasure of being present at one such event.  This very graceful lady is a mere 55 years "young" and appears as beautiful and accomplished as any much younger competitor!  I watched her float across the ice with such ease!  Every turn and move was as silky as the next - I was completely mesmerized.  

Though this lovely athlete moved as fluidly as water and made it look so stunningly easy, I was reminded of the time, sacrifice and even years it takes to develop and perfect those kind of skills!  The analogy came to mind that Christianity requires our offerings in the form of daily practice and patience!  Being "Christ-like" is a life-time process.  However, the wonderful thing about becoming a believer is that the moment we ask Him to enter our heart, He immediately forgives our sin and sees us as lovely.  We might feel awkward as we learn to walk in a steady and worthy manner, but in His eyes, we are clothed in the beauty of His forgiveness and righteousness!  

As much as I enjoy watching this fascinating sport, at this point in my life, I doubt that I will ever become an accomplished ice skater.  However, I am very thankful for what God can do through me - and even in spite of me!  I will hope to attend more events to see my friend glide over the ice with such ease and grace.  I also will continue to seek greater levels of walking with the God who so thoroughly loves me.  I will express my constant gratitude that He is my best Encourager and Father, accepting me just as I am and calling me to continue to press in and press on in my journey forward in Him.  And...perhaps I'll remember as I watch this lovely lady skate, how also our loving heavenly Father is watching us with admiration and love, seeing the beauty in His created children!