Down Pat
Do you know people who appear to have life down pat? Everything they do, they do well.
- They excel at athletics.
- Music flows from them.
- Academic awards cover their walls.
- They smile through every hardship.
Down pat means you have learned something well.
The Free Dictionary defines it as “Learned, mastered, or understood perfectly, to the point of requiring little or no focus to do, recall, or accomplish.” You hit the bull’s eye.
To get anything down pat usually requires extra effort.
Before you make it look easy, you must:
- Work hard
- Study
- Practice
- Memorize
You need to develop your natural abilities.
Talent alone rarely gets you where you want to go. Experts were once students. When you study hard, your skills grow.
God gives the talent. People add the elbow grease.
“I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw” (Proverbs 24:32).
Thanks to Katherine Pasour for the suggestion.
Do you have an expression you want explained or thoughts about this one? If so, please comment below.
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6 thoughts on “Down Pat”
Yes, God gives the talent. We must make the right choices in how to use that talent. Funny story…When I first read the title of your post, I thought it said “Pat Down”. That made me think of two very strange and uncomfortable “pat down” experiences I experienced a few months ago at two different airports. I must have moved my body during the scan because I had to be pulled aside and given a “pat down”. 🙂 Of course, everything was fine. Have a blessed day!
Same words arranged differently with definitely different meanings, Melissa! I hope you never have to experience another “pat down.” Have a wonderful week!
I love how you described this familiar phrase, Diana. We can be born with all the talent in the world, but it we don’t apply ourselves and work hard, God’s gifts won’t come to fruition. Blessings!
Thank you so much, Martha. God blesses in so many ways but expects us to keep our eyes open for His leadership.
There are so many things I wish I had more “down pat” but I’m so grateful for my Lord’s guidance in gifting me with parents who expected and encouraged their children to work hard, study hard, and develop skills to serve others. We were expected to get a lot of things “down pat.” Thank you for featuring one of my books in your message, Diana. I look forward to sending Honoring God with My Body to a lucky winner of your drawing. Blessings!
I’m so grateful for wonderful parents with positive expectations too, Katherine. Thank you for making your book available. I’ve enjoyed my copy.