Coming into the long program there was a tight score between 1st and 2nd (we are talking thousandths of a point difference). Sasha (USA) held first while Irina (Russia) held 2nd and the Japanese girl in third was not too far behind. The Russian girl was the favorite. In addition, she was the sentimental pick having taken care of her mother while her mother is awaiting a kidney transplant and then going through a disease which should have precluded her from ice skating. Sasha (USA) fell twice. The Japanese girl took over first by skating a technically perfect program but mostly uninspiring -- it lacked feeling. So Irina is the last skater of the night and as she skates, it is obvious she is going to win the gold, when she falls. Sasha received the silver and Irina got the bronze.
On a morning news program Irina was being interviewed. She had been pretty weepy eyed on the medals podium. Why? Because she wanted to do better and knew she could. Then the commentator asked her, "Do you feel like you should have gotten the silver?" She replied, "I just skate. I do not decide. That is for the judges to decide."
The commentator continued, "But Sasha fell twice and you only fell once, don't you think you should have gotten the silver?"
Again "That is for the judges to decide, not me."
I was impressed. This girl had the grace to lose what she truly desired and to leave the judgments to the judges, not telling anybody what she was entitled to because she only fell once.
Lately, it seems as if I have been talking to a lot of people who don't think they have fallen since they were born anew in Christ. They claim to be living the Christian life while condemning others to Hell and pronouncing themselves as going to Heaven. They have decided what they are entitled to. What's left for God to judge?
I fall a lot. God always forgives me. I fall a lot. I am entitled to nothing. My salvation? I leave that in God's hands, he has always done what is best for me, more so than I do myself. What do I think I should get?
"I live and serve God. I do not decide. That's for the God to decide." Faith means that I can trust Him enough to leave it in His hands. Where else should I put my hope?
____________________ Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
