PROVERBS 29:11
Irish dancing (what the people in Riverdance do) has taught me some important lessons about life. The dance has two forms that require two different types of shoes: soft shoes and hard shoes. Soft shoes, called ghillies, are made from black leather, have long laces, and look like ballet shoes with really cool little patterns. When new, they are very tight and painful to wear because they are supposed to be so formfitting. You have to wear them a lot. I slept and walked around in mine for days before they actually fit comfortably. It definitely takes self-discipline to break them in. Hard shoes are made of leather and have a hard toe and a hard heel. When you walk, they make loud clicking noises. It takes a long time to make a distinguishable “click-ety-clack,” and you feel very clumsy while still learning. It takes flexibility, agility, and endurance to complete a full reel or jig (dance), slip jig, treble reel, and hornpipe in Irish dancing. The steps are confusing and complex to remember and execute, not to mention staying on time, keeping your arms at your sides, head up, toes pointed, and smile in place. It takes an incredible amount of patience to do all of it at once! To overcome the difficulties of Irish dancing, you must have control of your emotions and actions. It is easy to become frustrated, angry, and upset while learning. But it looks so cool (just watch Riverdance some time).
Kerstin Jones, 17, Stillwater Christian School, Kalispell, MT
God, I want to have the strength and self control to
overcome difficulties. Because, when I’m honest with myself,
I’m most satisfied by the things I have to work hardest for.