In 2018 one of the most epic Winter Olympics in the field of Figure Skating took place in South Korea. As usual, the most anticipated category was the ladies’ singles, where young women compete to get to the podium.
Historically the ladies’ singles has been the most relevant category, because of the widely known rivalry between contestants, the beautiful balance between technicity and artistry in the performances, the choice of music for the choreography, and so many other things… The ultra complicated jumps and elements skaters perform seamlessly, the superb and creative costumes that accompany the performances, the hairstyles, the makeup… Oh! It’s pure magic.
The thing that catches the eye so much about the sport though is not only how difficult it is, but how these skaters can perform such complicated jumps, spins and other elements while enacting a character that goes with the music they chose to perform, and achieve to make it all look beautifully easy. As if jumping a triple while looking absolutely perfect was just a daily thing for them.
One of my favorite performances was done by my all-time favorite Evgenia Medvedeva, a renowned Russian skater born in 1999 who danced to Dance With Me by Dario Marianelli for her final program (which you can watch here). In her choreography she spins and jumps in perfect tune with the music, and delivers a flawless program, worthy of a gold medal. However, she cries while she exits the ice rink after saluting the audience graciously, anticipating the former competitor will have earned the highest spot in the podium and not her.
Her suspicion is confirmed when, a couple of minutes later, Alina Zagitova, her teammate and a very talented Russian skater, is placed first by a few points. Evgenia’s dream of earning a gold medal in the Olympics is shattered. And yet, even while she grieves this loss she accepts second place, the silver medal, with dignity and composure.
Femininity at its best
One thing that I’ve always loved about figure skating is how feminine it is. A lot of attention is paid to the beautifully-crafted costumes skaters use, their makeup and hair, and the gracious way they move through the ice rink in between the complex spins and jumps that earn them the most points. Those elements are the first ones one notices at least. However, the real beauty of the sport is in the skater’s endurance and resilience, which is more noticeable when things go the wrong way…
Like when a skater falls while attempting a jump and crashes against the cold ice, or when they cannot manage to stay in tune with the rhythm of the music, or when they have a wardrobe malfunction, or… Well. You get the point. One thing to admire about these young ladies is how quickly they gain composure after a big fail, while they are being observed by millions of people.
And that reminds me of the woman we learn about in Proverbs 31.
Like a figure skater
The Proverbs 31 woman is like a figure skater in a certain way. She is resilient, gracious and productive in her use of time.
She not only fulfills her responsibilities as a wife, mother and as a part of society, but does it with grace and paying attention to beauty and details. Like a figure skater would train for a competition and anticipate factors that could impact her performance, she anticipates the winter and doesn’t fear that she and her family will lack anything, because she has considered all things necessary to ensure her family is clothed in scarlet.
She does hard things, and wears fine linen and purple while doing so. She is diligent and hardworking, resourceful and dignified. She is composed, kind and wise. Oh! I pray that I can grow to be a woman like that, after God’s wisdom, joyful to be a wife and mother, and see beauty in the daily house chores. Oh, that we could all be so dignified and instead of being anxious we could laugh at the time to come!
Sometimes, when I get up in the morning, I feel tempted to use any racks I find, let my hair undone, and not even bother wearing some makeup. After all, the only people that see me most of the day are my husband and my son. The thing is… Isn’t it more gracious and dignified to add beauty into the daily tasks? Doesn’t it make it more beautiful for ourselves, our husbands, and our children that as wives and mothers we are joyful to get up in the morning and wear the beautiful dress, and a simple hairstyle, and be intentional in lighting up the day?
So I’ve made it my goal that while I cook breakfast or mop the floors, or bathe my baby, or welcome my husband home from work, I will do it like a figure skater—more specifically like Evgenia Medvedeva. I will strive to look beautiful and gracious while I do it, even when my diligence doesn’t produce the results I expect. Moreover, as I am reminded of the excellent wife, I will strive to be wise and build resilience when difficulties arise, and I will seek to be exceptional in my service to my family and others. May the Lord give me the strength to add beauty everywhere I go, in everything I do.
