Have you heard of Katelyn Ohashi? I hadn’t until very recently. Because some friends were raving about her phenomenal gymnastics floor routine, I traveled to YouTube to see it for myself. I was so struck by her, that I then watched a video that offers a glimpse into her very inspirational story.
Here’s that video:
When Katelyn was young, she was one of the best elite gymnasts in the world. She was on track to compete at the highest levels. The World Championships. The Olympics.
But her passion for her sport began to wane. Injuries brought her low. The harsh criticism that came with the spotlight wore her down. The pressure, intense. She couldn’t afford to gain weight, so she couldn’t feel good about food.
She opted to step down. To slow down. Striving to be the biggest name in gymnastics wasn’t making her happy, so she charted a different course for herself. She went to college and now competes for UCLA.
Here’s her recent perfect 10 routine:
Her joy is infectious, isn’t it? She doesn’t look sorry about her choices. She doesn’t look like someone who regrets her lack of gold medals. She looks fierce and strong and confident.
Her journey moved me!
Our culture tells us that biggest is best. If you’re a great gymnast, you should strive and strive and strive for Olympic gold no matter how much your body protests. If you’re a writer, you should strive and strive and strive to top the New York Times bestseller list no matter how overwhelmed you feel. If you’re a musician, strive to play for a prestigious orchestra no matter how much stress you have to bear. Painter? Strive for museum showings of your work no matter the cost to your relationships. Actor? Strive for an Academy Award no matter if you never sleep again.
Just because God gives us a talent as a gift, that doesn’t mean His plans for that gift look anything like the world’s plans. Katelyn’s story is such a powerful reminder of that truth. If, in our striving, our passion for our gift begins to desert us, that may mean that we’ve swerved off track. If I swerve off track in my pursuit of BIG, I hope I’ll have the courage, like Katelyn, to reconsider and adjust my course.
Sometimes simple, humble, restful, and contented are best. Sometimes it’s best if no one knows your name. If they know His name, that’s enough.
Congratulations, Katelyn! I’m cheering for you!
Was there a time in your life when God reminded you that biggest isn’t always best?
Before I go, I wanted to let you know that I’m currently accepting applications for Sweet on You’s launch team. If you love promoting books, if you have a platform of some kind, if you enjoy my novels — I invite you to apply here! The application will close February 7th.
Becky Wade
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Thank you for this beautiful and important reminder. Sometimes we get the false notion that if we aren’t the best at something or if it doesn’t make us money, we shouldn’t do it. But if your talent, your blessing from God, brings you joy and fills your heart then that should be all that matters! Loved this message, thank you Becky!
I agree! I your talent brings you joy and fills your heart — then that IS the reward.
Wow. Really needed to hear this story and your words today. Thanks, Becky!
I’m glad to hear that Katelyn’s story spoke to you, too, Anne!
Katelyn’s story is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing. It is a great reminder that God often used low-profile people to fulfill his most important work.
Yes! I love that Katelyn opted for the lower-profile path, because that was the path she was meant to walk.
This was eye opening about the gymnastics sport. I’m glad she has found delight in her passion.
Me, too!
Thank you for sharing this post! God’s best for us doesn’t look like the worlds best!!
Amen!
This post can speak to so many areas of our lives… we’ve had a difficult time at the company I work for getting management to understand that some employees really do find themselves quite happy in their current positions. Management doesn’t quite understand how they can be happy staying where they are instead of constantly trying to move up the corporate ladder. Meanwhile, these employees understand their gifts and know that the position they are in is the best fit for their “goals.” Thanks for this reminder that biggest isn’t always best, Becky!
‘these employees understand their gifts and know that the position they are in is the best fit for their “goals.”’ Yes! That’s such a great real life example. 🙂
Love this, Becky!
Even if no one else knows my name, God knows my name and He loves me!
So true! “Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7
I used to have a nuclear powered soprano voice. If the choir needed someone to hit The High Note, there were 3 of us, and we could always nail it. M-L would nail the pitch, L could hold it the longest, and my notes were always the strongest. I mean, hold on to your hats, all you folks in the back row! Then 5 years ago, I fell forward on the ice, during one of the worst ice storms in our history, and landed knees/elbows/chin. Literally that fast. Go back and read those 3 words as fast as you can and that was the exact speed at which I fell. Besides some terrible injuries to my knees, shoulders, elbows, jaw, hands, wrists and neck, and a concussion, I pulled my vocal cords. Not only was my speaking voice wrecked, my clear and epic high notes were destroyed. My whole voice box and my throat had changed shape from the fall, since I snapped my head back and pulled all the muscles and tendons inside and outside my throat.
It took months to build up to speaking for more than a few minutes, and I was told I needed serious work with a vocal therapist to regain any singing ability. I was devastated. I’m no Kathleen Battle, but my voice was my way to worship, and yes, I sang opera in the car.
I begged and begged God for even some of my voice back.
5 months after the fall, a woman visited our church and sang for us. Afterward, I spoke with her and the next thing I knew, she was laying hands on my throat, and that night I could sing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Her name was Sheila, and her father was Ray Charles.
I still miss my glory notes, but I CAN sing again.
Oh, Jennifer! What a testimony! 🙂
Wowza Jennifer, that is some powerful stuff! And thank you Becky for the terrific reminder found in Katelyn’s story! I’m so glad we have these moments that bring us clarity and help remind us we’re on the path we were intended to be on, or sometimes provide the kick in the pants needed to push us in the right direction if not!I’m eagerly awaiting responses to see if I’ll be chosen for the Launch Team 🙂
“I’m so glad we have these moments that bring us clarity and help remind us we’re on the path we were intended to be on, or sometimes provide the kick in the pants needed to push us in the right direction if not!” Yes! Me, too.
I feel like motherhood is my constant reminder that biggest isn’t always best. I had these grand plans to have 2-3 kids and to always be a fun supermom. Ha! I have one very sweet child, and I still fail every day in little ways. Through the unconditional love of both my child and my Heavenly Father, I’ve come to realize that it’s okay not to be perfect. I’m so grateful for the generosity and forgiveness shown when I’m less than I meant to be, and I’m grateful for second chances every day!
Before I had kids, I imagined that I’d be a supermom, too! As it turns out, it’s easier to be a mom before you have kids. 😉
The pressure to be perfect and the guilt that comes when we’re not are tough to bear. Praise the Lord for His generosity and forgiveness!