May 10th, 2021

Such a beautiful opening day for Daniel and his friend - winning both opening rounds of District Doubles Tennis today… advancing to semifinals later in the week. 

I was late arriving to his first match - somehow we didn’t have bananas on hand… 

I watched them ease onto the court as doubles partners in a sport they typically play as single players. There was the slightly awkward initial adjustments of using the wider doubles lines, the important strategic net play, and the constant flow of communication between partners. Eventually, a rhythm formed and they moved through their first match quite well. 

The follow up match began thirty minutes later - this time, however, it was Parkland vs. Parkland. Four fiercely loyal teammates - two vs. two - who have spent the last two months cheering for one another regardless of what the scorecard read. A bond of brotherhood rarely seen… 

Each has a story, a life, a family… Each comes to the court with their own cross to bear. For some it’s academia, others - collegiate pursuits, still others seeking approval, while others - athletic fame. 

And for two and a half months, these twelve young men have rallied together through the ranks and formed more than just an athletic team - but rather a bond of friendship that’s deep. 

I watched the four play today and it was hard to cheer for only Daniel and his partner… somehow each of these young men have woven their sweaty muscular hearts into mine and I could only sit and observe. 

My heart cheered for the senior who fiercely played what would become his last high school match… My heart cheered for his partner who grew under such leadership… My heart smiled with pride as Dan made a line call “good”… And swelled with pride to hear his partner brush off their mistakes. 

These are the men who lead us into the future… Who develop science, technology, innovations, and medicine. These are men who will attend weddings and funerals, have families, and grow old.

But just for today - they are young… full of life, fully ALIVE - running full speed into the future. 

Not one of us knows exactly what tomorrow will bring…  

And sometimes the fear of that unknown can easily overshadow the truth of what is - 

We are loved.

Seen -

Known…

Loved by our Creator so very dearly - not for any other reason - but that we were His beloved creation. No athletic fetes, no academic accolades, no superior performance will ever cause Him to turn His face and love us more…

He loved us while we still turned our back on Him.  He chose us, went to the Cross for us, rose again for us - before we even knew we needed a Saviour. That is Truth. That’s what we take into tomorrow… 

He says He fights for us, He works everything together for us, He conquers trouble for us --- He makes all messes end up good for us. This we carry into our future...

Do these men know this? These handsome, tall, strong athletic men…?

Everytime I put Daniel on the court I remind him of the Light he carries.  No matter the match, no matter the opponent, no matter the score -- the Light. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 

He has earned a name for himself, to be sure… And it’s not just regarding his athletic abilities. Often I will hear other coaches and players say, “... there’s something very different about that guy…” 

Hmmm… the Light

ALIVE within -