Looks Easy! Have you ever made this statement out loud, or at least allowed it to run through your mind as you watched someone perform a task? Perhaps you logged onto the internet to search for a how-to video to make a simple household repair. There are entire networks on cable television and oodles of entries on YouTube that convince viewers to say, “That Looks Easy,” when the reality is that the true work has been edited out because, frankly, viewers aren’t that interested in witnessing someone struggle, make mistakes, try it again numerous times before they succeed. We are a culture that relishes immediate gratification, but in sports and in life, what Looks Easy likely requires years of investment.

Having already introduced the Greek word, poiema, in the post Poetry in Motion and the Hebrew word, anavah, in God-Given Space, I won’t rehash those here; however, recently my thoughts went to these two concepts on several occasions whether it was researching about how women can step into their callings, viewing a documentary on the Blue Angels, or reading about Roger Federer’s commencement speech. In each of these occurrences, I was reminded of how simple it is to devalue the time people have invested in their skill development, whether it’s a professional playing tennis, a pilot flying an F/A-18, a landscaper sculpting bushes or a classroom teacher engaging students. Just because they make it Look Easy doesn’t mean that it really is.

In my opinion, the people that make these tasks Look Easy are portraying two flourishing habits: attentiveness and resilience. Joanna Meyer shares this perspective on being attentive to how we are designed, “As the imago Dei, we are made to reflect the image of a Creator God, and we join him in making something of the world. To demonstrate the breadth and nuance of God’s character, we need women and men to be vitally engaged in workplaces, homes, and organizations across our communities, utilizing the full extent of their God-given gifts.” We have distinctive callings that God has particularly designed us to engage in, and although those callings may change in different Seasons of Life, when we engross ourselves in those callings, others benefit from our obedience.

Once we identify our anavah, then comes the most difficult part, persevering through the attainment of the skills necessary to arrive at a point where we make it Look Easy. A great deal of research has been conducted on the concept of grit, which Angela Duckworth set into motion, but I think Justin Bariso captures it well when he summarizes tennis-great Roger Federer’s 2024 commencement speech into 14 words: “Effortless is a myth. It’s only a point. Life is bigger than the court.” Bariso shares Federer’s frustration when people used the word “effortless” to describe his play, “Federer went on to explain how hard work is the foundation of confidence and success, not only in tennis, but in life. Talent is not just a gift, he said, it’s also grit. Discipline, patience, trust in yourself, loving the process, managing your life—all this is part of talent, and everyone has to work at developing these abilities.”

When considering how experts develop their abilities while viewing The Blue Angels, not once did the words “Looks Easy” spill from my lips. There is absolutely no margin for error when these jets are flying a diamond formation with only 12 inches separating the planes. In case you need that repeated, 12 inches, that’s the length of my green, plastic ruler! I’m not driving a car 30 MPH that close to someone much less flying a plane at 1,000 MPH! These pilots are both utilizing their God-designed gifts while also investing 18-hour days and years of dedication to hone their skills. Now, I wish I could go back in time and re-watch the airshow we saw in Millington with the in-depth knowledge I now have of their intense training.  

We may not all be flying jets to defend our country or performing for thousands in a stadium, but we do all have an Audience of One who delights when we dedicate ourselves to His callings and devote our time and efforts into honing the skills and abilities He has given us. Regardless of what season of life you happen to be in, will you consider the ways that you might be used to benefit others today? Is there anyone that comes to mind that is a testimony to what it means to engage in both attentiveness and resilience? Would you consider sharing in the comments below?

References:

Bariso, J. (2024, June 11). Roger Federer just gave the best graduation speech I’ve ever heard. Inc. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/justin-bariso/roger-federer-just-gave-best-graduation-speech-ive-ever-heard-he-summed-it-all-up-in-just-14-words.html

Crowder, P. (Director). (2024). The blue angels. Zipper Bros Films, Bad Robot, IMAX, Dolphin Entertainment, Barnstorm Production, Sutter Road Picture Company.

Meyer, J. (2023). Women, work & calling: Step into your place in God’s world. [Kindle version]. IVP.