Michelle Kwan has always been a bit of a hero to me.
And I'm not entirely sure I have a really insightful reason as to why, but it's true.
I remember in, gosh it must have been 1998, first being introduced to Michelle Kwan. I loved her. She was the silver medalist, falling short of Tara Lapinski, but in my 9 year old heart she was the most graceful, beautiful, talented young woman I'd ever seen. Me and my friends would fight over who was the better skater and person, and I was undyingly loyal to Miss Kwan. I don't know what other schools did, but we always had "book orders" (which is probably where my obsessin with books began...but that is a whole different story) and I remember being so excited to order a book all about Michelle Kwan. To this day I wonder what exactly it was about her that appealed to me so much. In fact (I'm a little embarassed to admit this) but I was so invested in her that when she only received the bronze medal in the 2002 Olympics I was quite upset. Some might say devastated. (okay...I cried.) I wonder what she is doing now.
It wasn't until tonight I even really thought much about her again. With the Olympics going on I had thougth about the "good ol' days" with Michelle Kwan, but tonight as I busted my butt on the elliptical at the REC and watched women's figure skating I really remembered Ms. Kwan. I watched these wonderfully graceful women performing absolutely beautifully. These young women that I no longer watched with girlish idolization, but more with a big sister's pride. When did that happen? When did I get older than these Olympians? Wow, time certainly flies. But 12 years later I'm still in love with this beautiful sport. I felt so silly, on the elliptical, smiling like a fool everytime one of those girls landed a difficult jump. But I was so happy for them.
What is it about women's figure skating that has me in such awe? I think this sport is the essence of femininity. It requires grace, patience, immense strength, and is so beautiful. All aspects of women the way we were created to be. It has come to my attention that women are truly amazing creations of God. Which is why it is so hard to understand why so many of us (myself included) turn to worldly things for affirmation or comfort. If the Lord created us to be the most wonderful and beautiful creatures on earth, more beautiful than any mountain, ocean, or sunset, then why do women so often forget that? We turn to food, compulsive exercise, success, or relationships (etc) to find fulfillment. But if you truly sit back and observe women-we are striking. Where else can you find such a wonderful, powerful balance of beauty and strength? God does not make mistakes, He created women with a very important purpose, and he done good :)
I think I want to minister to high school and college aged women for the rest of my life, alongside my work as a veterinarian. I want these young women to understand their inherent beauty.
Thank you Michelle Kwan for being a hero to me growing up, for being such a beautiful example of the essence of womanhood, and for causing me to fall in love with women's figure skating.
