So You Think You Can't Dance

Hey there.

Welcome, once again, to the blog geared specifically for you, the Latter-Day Saint single. You should feel lucky that your computer screen isn't a two-way mirror. Or else you'd hear Avril Lavigne singing and see the reality series, "So You Think You Can Dance" playing in the background.

And I would lose all credibility as a male and be super embarrassed.

(The things girls can talk guys into watching.)

But as I cringe while watching this travesty of a television program, wishing I was observing something a bit more highbrow--like Baywatch--I realize that there's a lesson to be learned. And it's not about how to properly frost hair tips or how to draw out S's in every word, but really, the lesson is more about preparation and performance when it counts the most. Granted, we don't always have a snarky mullet-sporting Brit criticizing our every move or spandex that's been pulled up to our nipples that is four sizes too small, but we do have to deal with opposition and obstacles. And how we react to these trials and what we learn from them will largely determine where we end up in life.

Thomas Edison once said that "fortune favors the prepared mind." And he's absolutely right. The more we learn, the more we experience ... the better off we'll be. As in better spouses. Better neighbors. More productive members of society. Possible candidates for Jeopardy. Respectable things like that. Because, in all honesty, geniuses are rare in life. As difficult as that is to swallow, we just have to accept it. But it's fine, 'cause underdog stories are more exciting anyway. Not "talking dog" stories mind you, but underdog. There's a difference. Believe me. There's nothing cute about a courageous dog and a cynical cat, even if they do have celebrity voices. So when the average guy or girl saves the day or solves the problem, it makes for a greater story.

So what's the point of this micro-mini sermon? I have no idea. Really, I don't. I've heard too many lame teeny-bopper songs to think properly. But I will say that just like the eager tweens on the show who are hanging on every word of the judge, waiting for their results, the day will come when we'll be in the same position, hoping we passed the test.

And I'm just hoping that Avril Lavigne isn't playing on the loudspeakers.