Practice makes progress

Checkmate. 

Blankly, I stared across the checkered board. 

Confused, I came to terms that I was beaten in chess by a 3rd grader. He, the third grader, along with his other peers from B5 were competing in a Chess tournament and I was there supporting and ‘helping’ them practice. As I gathered myself and the child laughed with joy, I asked “how can this be?” His knowledge and explanation of the game surprised me. Not only his knowledge, but the whole team understands the game.  

The tournament was set up by age group – when each group was called, they would rush off in hopes to conquer their opponent. When everyone was gone; their absence gave me opportune time to practice and learn more about the game.  

I wasn’t the only one there who was supporting and ‘helping’ – there was another teacher who came, with knowledge like me (knowing nothing), making him the perfect opponent. We buckled down and practiced. We noted different strategies, moves, ways to win, ways to lose, and ultimately, we gained a bit more knowledge on the game.  

I was there for three hours, and for those three hours it was non-stop chess with few intermissions for snacking and chatting. By the end, I wouldn’t say I was a master, but I did gain TONS of knowledge on how to play the game.  

Waiting patiently and learning during the wait – upon reflection, that is what I learned.  

It was easy to learn within those three hours. I played, reflected, rested, and tried again while waiting for the students to return. But how much harder is it to be patient within a three-week, three-month, or even three-year span?  We want answers and success quickly—to secure the job or earn the degree. We struggle to wait when there is no clear end in sight. 

I could have sat in-between matches sulking in defeat, mad at the child but instead, I took the time to learn my mistakes, honing in my skills and knowledge. 

I did not leave the chess tournament as a Grandmaster, but I did leave with new skills and deepened relationships that will propel me forward when continuing to support the B5 students. Isn’t that what the Lord calls us to do? To patiently live in the present—building strength in our knowledge of Him and developing deep relationships with those around us. 

Perhaps this season is what the Lord is using to teach you and reshape you. Maybe it leads to success, or maybe it leads to growth. Trust His pace. Trust His timing. Patiently wait with others and spur one another on. That is what this season is teaching me—what we are called to in every season: to trust that whatever span of time I am given allows me to deepen my knowledge of Him, connect with others, and live as an example of Jesus. 

What will you learn from a checkmate? 

Darbee Rhamy

Coordinator of Storytelling and Values Embodiment