The focus it takes to be a figure skater astounds me. Skating requires technique and artistry. It depends on hours of practice and conditioning. And like any sport, skating is a mental game as well physical. Once on the ice, if the skater loses focus and lets the crowd or their doubts or the voices of critics enter in, then the whole thing falls apart. And sometimes the skater falls as well.
 
I think this time we are living in requires this kind of focus for me. I need to keep my attention directed toward what God is calling me to be and do. I need to focus on compassion. On goodness. On the small kindnesses that I receive as well as those I have the opportunity to give.  Otherwise, I will fall and lose the resolve to persevere.
 
And I need to persevere. I need to keep believing in God’s gracious care for all of us and all of creation. I need to do my part to keep putting love out into the world.

Be strong and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for י ה ו ה .
Psalm 31:24