E is for Excellence.

13Sep08

Ever since I could remember, we were trained to achieve things.

For a junior high kid, that meant getting lots and lots of medals, and getting into lots and lots of competitions and winning in them.

Till there came a point in my elementary life which made me see that I’m not good at every thing (I didn’t realize it then, but anyway, on with the post. Haha.).  Like Math.

Math training activities were always supported by my high school Alma Mater, and I remember being in one of those trainings and getting bored in every session. Haha. I never was picked to compete.  I felt insecure at all the other kids who would bag the medals for the school.

Then came high school.  High school was that part of my life when I just started to quit.  I got tired, and did not care.  I carried that attitude with me till I graduated BS Biology.  Now in Med school, I’m re-learning everything and throwing away that mindset.

So what is the point of “E is for Excellence”?

When we hear the word excellence, we usually pertain it to academic prowess.  It’s how “smart” we are and how many “achievements” we have made.  It’s something that’s limited to a couple of people.  But it really is not all that.

Ralph Martson said, “Excellence is not a skill but an attitude.“   It’s not just head power, it’s  conviction power. It’s character power.

There are times that we are not getting the results we want in our exams or in projects at work, but they don’t really determine who we can be.  Unless we let them.  I lived most of my high school life being determined by my circumstances because I thought being excellent is boring, and burdening.  And I’m tired of boring and burdening.

And I guess most people see being excellent that way, that’s why people don’t even bother to cultivate it.

But we do have help.  The moment we step out and resolve within ourselves to give our best shot and maintain a good character, God catches us. Excellence is a stand.  It’s giving our best in everything through honorable means. True excellence acknowledges that we can’t do anything without God’s help. We may start something, but it takes God’s grace to finish it strong.

True excellence is having great and admirable character.  True excellence knows the goal and goes for it no matter how many times failure knocks at the door.  True excellence does these things to live for a Name greater than one’s self.   True excellence knows that at when people start clapping, hands start to raise in thanks to God.

So wherever you may be right now or whatever it is you’re doing; I encourage you to give it your best shot.  Take the risk.  Cultivate character.  Don’t lower your standards.  Trust God to catch you.  Because greater things have yet to come for you and for me. 

…And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God… Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.

-Colossians 3:22-25 (The Message)

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