Thanks, I enjoyed that. I think the simile of athletic competition is quite useful: each person in his relationship with God starts with himself, the totality of his own unique person, and then adds his effort and discipline to all the grace God provides.
Yes: I can pray that God gives you grace (we are commanded to pray one for another), and God can and does give you grace, but I cannot personally imbue you with it.
(1 Cor. 3:6).
Incidentally, (hint hint), read 1 Cor. 9:24.
Do you know how "crestfallen-making" it is, to think that one has come up with a wonderful analogy to explain this, only to realize you have been scooped by the New Testament itself?
God has a wonderful sense of irony -- what a gentle way to give me a little humility.
Cheers!