It's Not About Tennis Anymore



"God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede." ------ Oswald Chambers
 
 
Everyday, I always remind my son to always pray and ask for the Lord’s protection and discernment. As they started a busy schedule playing tennis, I was also busy as I volunteered to have some players ride with us in our car, whenever we needed to go to another school to compete.

There was a player who was very interested to have my son as his partner in the “doubles” game. He was so eager that he asked the coach if he could be paired with my son. The request was granted and when there was a “home” game, they won as they tried their partnership for the first time. That player was elated! My son, with a calm composure, was happy to be able to find a teammate he could be working with. Until…

We went to another school and they lost this time. The coach told me and my hubby that the other player though from the other school was already way ahead, playing in varsity and got demoted. In order for him to go back to his previous status, he needed to work his way up by beating junior varsity. So, the coach said that even though my son and the other boy lost, it was a good game and they played well since the score was close. But I noticed the boy distancing himself from my son. He seemed upset about the loss. I heard my son asked the other boy if he was okay. He said he was upset with himself. But the whole time, as I waited for the players to get done with the matches, I saw him always far from my son, either talking with some other members or just silent on his own. My son didn’t think of any and that broke my heart. Because I didn’t want that childlike-faith and innocence to be tainted with this world’s hypocrisy and self-centeredness. My own discernment was that: that boy was upset with my son. Actions spoke louder than his words!

“Dude, I’m an atheist!” uttered this same boy while riding in our car as we went to the other school. I wasn’t sure what precipitated this conversation.

“Why are you an atheist?” asked the other player riding with us.

“Just because I’m an atheist!” he proudly stated…

That happy mood on the way to school was replaced with an “upset” kind of mood as we headed back to their school, when the game was over. His being talkativeness was replaced with silence, on our way home.

I spoke with my son while having breakfast yesterday and told him, no matter what he would see from the other boy‘s actions, just keep praying for this boy and for their being “buddies” and pray to the Lord and only please the Lord, no one else. The truth came out during their training in the afternoon. The coach had noticed that the boy didn’t feel like playing well while practicing with my son. So the coach asked my son if there was something going on. My son told the coach he wasn’t sure what the other boy was feeling. But that if there were any errors during the game, he only would talk about his own faults and never blamed the other boy. And that after losing, he asked him if he was okay and he denied being upset with my son. He also asked him if he wanted to work on their mistakes together to improve their skills.

The coach was more concerned with my son seeing how hard he worked every time and always respected others. He asked my son how he felt about this boy's attitude towards him. I was so proud of my son’s answer, “It’s okay. It doesn't bother me. I know we can learn from our mistakes. Even if he doesn’t want to play with me, that’s okay.” So, the coach told him that maybe he could try to play singles, instead of doubles.

When I picked my son up after their training, he talked about the other boy with me and that he knew I was right about praying for protection and discernment at all times. I asked my son how he viewed this incident. We both agreed on the same thing: This was a blessing from the Lord: “to find out this boy’s attitude of not being a good sport while the game was still at a very early stage“. Because once they started playing “league” games, everything would count and to have this kind of attitude would only affect each other’s performance. My son witnessed and processed that it would be the same in this life’s journey. That he would be facing both the ups and downs. That despite being on the down side, he knew he must accept it and he could grow from it because life is not always about victory. That during losses, true courage means to accept that you have done something wrong, admit it, and learn from it.

Now, he knows why it’s important to ask for His discernment. It’s because we live with others who do not share the same values and convictions. And it’s only by His grace that he can make the right choices when making decisions. Right decisions that others who do not know Christ can see. And hopefully, through his actions, others can see the godly path he’s walking on and would want to be walking on that same road. Road that points to Jesus. All because of discernment.

That it’s not about playing tennis anymore. It’s not about winning in matches anymore. It’s about bringing Christ to whatever we do. It’s about winning souls for Christ that matters. It’s about bringing and sharing His light to those dark places where Christ wants us to be. It is all about Him.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” - John 15:16
 

24 comments:

  1. Your son is wise beyond his years. It takes many of us years before we are able to process situations like this with a godly attitude. He has also learned valuable life lessons. We often get caught up in the drama...instead we need to "pray" for the soul involved and leave it in the hands of JESUS.
    Rosel, thank you for your prayers, love, and encouragement. My allergies are still pretty bad. I am hanging in there and keeping my eyes on JESUS.
    Hugs, andrea

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  2. Rosel...wow. What a beautiful witness to those around him and for you to have this treasure of seeing how The Lord is living through your son. Wonderful!!! Your testimony shines!

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  3. Thank you for sharing this. My daughter will be the next to read.

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  4. your son sounds like an awesome kid. You and your husband have really raised him up to be special.....I read your heart here....for your son....for God. I will pray for your son...for protection...for discernment...for God's leading, guidence and favor. Sarah

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  5. I know you're very proud of your son, as you should be. He's learning things in his youth that take many of us (ME!) until way into adulthood to learn. What a blessing that he has a Godly mother teaching him these things. He sounds very mature too!

    Have a blessed day Rosel!

    Hugs,
    Lisa

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  6. Rosel,
    Thank you for sharing this post today. I believe it is one of the best post you have written.
    Sharing your love for Christ with your son is so touching to my heart. The discernment you have been blessed with is just one of the many blessings the Lord has given to you...
    Loved the video . . . that song . . . I would love to sing it at my church one day. It is beautiful and so true. It is all about HIM!!!
    Just wanted to let you know that I am up against some struggles now . . . I will be taking a break from writing(blogging) for a while. I will try to visit when I can. Please continue to remember me in your prayers. I love you.
    Your sister in Christ,
    Bren

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  7. Wow! Your son is walking in wisdom that I have yet to see in many adults. You are a blessed mom to be able to participate in rearing him in the knowledge of the Lord and watching him follow in that path in his own life. Doesn't it just warm your heart to see him excel in that knowledge?

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  8. Rosel, I Love the statement you made about bringing and sharing His light in dark places.
    Your son sounds like he has payed attention to what Mom and Dad have taught him. That makes you a very blessed mother. Thank you for sharing. I always enjoy your post. Please check out my blog post from yesterday. I am having a giveaway. it is open to anyone. But I really want my followers to have a chance. Thanks. And thank you for listening and sharing. Carol

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  9. Your son has learnt by watching your life. :)

    Silver

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  10. Your title is so true...it's not about tennis, or work, or competing or anything else. It's about being salt and light in a very dark world. Praise God for a son who walks in the light!

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  11. I have a feeling your son is going to go far. But I also know, as a mom that it's very hard to see someone treat your child like this. Kudos to him for brushing this off and continuing on the journey!

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  12. Oh, in total agreement with Andrea and the others.....your son is wise beyond his years.

    A huge refection on how he was raised......great job Rosel. Great job!

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  13. I'm sure you are very proud of your son. As I read this I also had to wonder if that other boy didn't feel the presence of the Holy Spirit revealing his own sinfulness to him and making him more uncomfortable when he was around your son.

    Thank you for your prayers sister. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

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  14. I thought about that sister Edie. That's why I told my son to pray for protection, do not be upset with this boy and just continue to lift him up to the Lord as it's always a spiritual battle. To God be the glory and thanks be to Him for His gift of discernment! Thank you for your input! Blessings to all of you.

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  15. BTW, this morning, I was blessed to hear my son prayed "Lord, may "A" [this boy] come to know Your love through me. How beautiful to hear!!! Thank You Lord!

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  16. Thanks for letting me know Rosel. You are so right. We are in constant spiritual battle. You have a beautiful balance of discernment and love. Truth be told, I have to work on the love part a bit harder. :)

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  17. Praise God for such a wonderful loving Mom who is a great example and teacher to her son! I know you are proud of him Rosel.

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  18. Rosel,

    It is obvious by this post that your son is indeed producing great fruit due to upbringing and influence that you, your husband and God have had in his life. How apparent it is that he is beginning to see it for himself and learning a lesson that will take him far in his life.

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

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  19. What a blessing your son is Rosel! Thanks for sharing this with us. Love you.

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  20. Thank you for sharing your son's story - he is a very wise man - As a teenager it is difficult to find and use discernment and it is such a blessing to hear this story - it gives me hope for my teenager and preteen who also are big tennis players with an atheist coach....

    Love to you.
    Kelly

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  21. What a sweet heart and discerning spirit God has given your son. It's a blessing to read this account and see how God is working in his life at an age when many wander away from the faith.

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  22. I don't know how old you son is, but clearly He has been taught well. It grieved me as I read this, yet, Oh, man, I was so proud of him! It is a sobering post in a good kind of way. It is about more than tennis.

    BTW, I was at the Dr. today with my son and he had to get a shot. We asked about the medical waste container that is locked and what they do with it. She said they have to lock it because people want to steal the needles. I had no idea. It made me think of you and the heroine man you had recently. I have been blind, I just no idea. ~

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  23. Your son is a beautiful blessing, may God continue to watch over him.

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  24. I'd like to know how old your son is because my goodness, he is extremely wise for his age. What a testimony though for him as he begins this journey of life. He's already ahead of the game because of his love and faith in Jesus Christ. God bless him!

    God bless you as well, my dear friend!

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"Faith is taking the first step even if you don't see the whole staircase..."
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

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