Hello Teresa.

I got my instrument rating to be used professionally, and I can assure
you that it has nothing to do with soaring or glider flying. I wish I
could tell you differently, but that's just the plain truth!...:-)

With that being said, there is no doubt that flying in IMC WILL make
you a better pilot overall, and at a minimum, a safer pilot when you
will be flying in powered planes.

As for soaring, perhaps will you have a better understanding of STAR's
and SID's, and learn to avoid theses areas in a glider.

Absolutely do it if you want to increase your flying knowledge, ( it's
one of the hardest rating to get in my opinion, but very rewarding)
but it won't do much with your soaring X-country goals.

Richard
Phoenix, AZ
Citation Excel rated, but still prefer flying gliders by far!