I think practice makes not perfect, but better. The practice you put in generates a greater likelihood that on the day when that skill is put to the test, you will succeed. The consistency and dedication to practice do not stop the obstacles that come up at the time of trial; we often cannot control the external factors that come our way. However, practice does give us the confidence and familiarity internally to know how to excel in what we are capable of doing and how to overcome potential obstacles.
Lately I've become acutely aware of all the practicing that goes on around me every day. Living in a dorm setting, I'm witness to students who are into the habit of practicing things: Practicing guitar. Practicing soccer skills. Practicing English. Practicing singing. Practicing teaching. Practicing leading others. One of the great and many joys I have in my work here is to see the development of these skills. No, practice hasn't made (and won't make) anyone perfect, but practice has made better.
A little over a week ago, a group of our students took part in a Christian music competition that involved a lot of practice beforehand. The students performed two songs written by one of our Bible Institute's very gifted musicians. Practice didn't make perfect: there were problems with audio feedback, and I'm sure the judges will have a list of comments to help them improve further. But practice has surely made better in the musical skills of our students, and what they have to offer sounds pretty darn good. Here's a bite from the beginning of one of the pieces:
I've got some stuff that I'm practicing here as well. I'm hoping to run a marathon in late December (certainly not something offered in a Wisconsin December, but, hey, it works here). I'm several months into the marathon training, and having the marathon as a goal has definitely helped to rejuvenate my running life. It's also been good practice in self-discipline. The heat, the high volume of traffic, and lack of time keep me from running in the afternoons, so early mornings it is: sometimes waking up at 5AM to get in my long runs! I recently ran a half marathon, with the starting gun sounding at 5:30 in the morning (meaning I had to wake up at 4:30 to get prepared for it). The race was good practice for me: the dynamics of running with and against others, the unwelcome stomach cramps, and the strategy of drinking water on the run were all good practice for the big event on December 28. The starting time for the marathon? 4AM. I may have to practice getting myself up that early...or maybe some things are better left to the adrenaline of race day.
This term at the Bible Institute has also been good practice for me in speaking and understanding Thai language. I'm taking a speech class (in Thai) along with the newer half of our students. The hardest part of the class is trying to take notes as the instructor gives definitions of terms and concepts. I've given two speeches in the class already, with a third coming up very soon. The students and instructor listen graciously as I do my best in the Thai language. One of my hopes through this course is that it encourages the Bible Institute students to continue practicing English, because while practicing a new language does make one susceptible to sounding goofy in front of others, practice makes better.
Each day brings us one day closer to eternity. On the day you're put to the test, will you succeed (or better put, do you know that success has already been won through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ)? I want to encourage us all here: let's put Christian living into daily practice. Maybe the saying isn't totally off after all -- someday practice will make perfect. Whether in Wisconsin or Chiang Mai, Thailand, as brothers and sisters in Christ we eagerly prepares our hearts for the day we leave this world of imperfections and join in the perfection of the Heavenly kingdom that awaits us.
Yours in Him,
Eric
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