By now we have all heard the details of the fascinating rescue of the captain kidnapped from his ship off the coast of Somalia. We heard about his self-less act in going along with the pirates. We heard about his resilience and the courage of the entire crew in resisting the pirated attempt. 

Also widely discussed was the amazing ability of the Navy Seals who brought about his freedom. Without glorifying the details of this rescue, it demonstrates a principle that would serve us all well; preparation.

For these service men to do what they did in choppy waters and on the first attempt, took skills that had to be developed over a long period of time. There had to be countless hours of practice and training, using a wide array of scenarios, to prepare them for any eventuality.

I imagine that there must have been times when they simply did not feel like practicing and preparing, especially when they already knew they were better than most. I imagine they could have settled for being great and not worried about being exceptional. After all, who would know the difference?

Someone set a high standard for these soldiers. Someone decided that the ordinary just would not do and that what would seem impossible to the average person was doable by the disciplined, prepared person. In this case, being the best was not left up to chance but to careful planning and extensive preparation.

We’re called to be our best by the Best. We’re called to be exceptional when the average would normally suffice. We’re called to prepare even when we have some great experiences we could rely on instead. We’re called to excellence even when it does not come easy to us. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” Matthew. 16:24

Step one in the pursuit of excellence is to realize we’re at step one 

“To know one’s self is great knowledge. The person who rightly estimates himself will let God mold him, discipline his mind and will acknowledge the source of his power. For “what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians. 4:7. Self-knowledge leads to humility and trust in God; but it does not take the place of efforts for self-improvement. He who realizes his own deficiencies should spare no pains to reach the highest possible standard of physical, mental, and moral excellence.” Ellen G. White Special Testimonies on Education pg. 50

Are you really preparing? What books have you read this year to increase your effectiveness?  What seminars or learning opportunities have you taken advantage of to learn additional skills or to sharpen those that you have? How much of your learning and growing is intentional?

Your hours of preparation, training and pursuing excellence are never wasted…they’re just reserved for choppy waters ahead.