Malcolm Gladwell introduced the world to the idea that 10,000 hours of dedicated practice can lead to success in anything. Macklemore reflects on his own journey to success in this song, one of many that I’ve used as motivation as I struggle with grad school. My biggest personal challenge is trusting that the path that I’m on, the struggles I’m fighting, will be worthwhile. As I began reflecting for this blog on what Advent means to me, I hesitated to associate the term “waiting” with graduate school, because “waiting” initially sounds passive. In reality, though, Macklemore highlights something that I have consistently forgotten in Advent – waiting should be active. If we sit at a piano for 10,000 hours, we do not suddenly become experts as the last hour draws to a close. It is only if we are active in the wait for success, if we are preparing, that we achieve our goals. The greats weren’t great because at birth they could paint. The greats were great because they paint a lot.
Similarly, a passive Advent brings us no closer to God than four weeks of Ordinary Time. Like any friendship, our relationship only grows when we put in effort. Showing up to Jesus’s birthday party on the 25th is great, but true friendship is built in the day-to-day conversations. This Advent, may we set time aside to “practice” our relationship with God. It is an investment that is well worthwhile. Put those hours in, and look at what you get: nothing that you can hold, but everything that it is.
Questions for Reflection:
How are we using our Advent to truly prepare for Jesus? Are we taking time to invest in ourselves, and our faith, within our busy schedules?
-Andrew Lynch is a Graduate Student in Biomedical Engineering and Residential Coordinator for Bursley Hall. He served as the Intern for Youth Group at St. Mary Student Parish for the 2013-2014 academic year.
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