Vollied Thoughts

With daughter away on adventure, son has unrivaled Mom-time. I asked of him what we could do together in these span of days and he chose tennis. He usually does. It’s one of the special things we do together.

It started in our driveway when he was young. A few years ago, he graduated to the courts. Over the past couple years; we steal a date here, a half-hour there -- whenever the two of us can have some one-on-one time.

Well, we made it three times this week. The heat kept most wise players away, so we had choice pick of a shady court to ourselves the first two times out. We could just play with reckless abandon without concern of infringing on a more serious neighboring match.

Then there was Thursday. The hottest day all week. I expected the same deserted courts. We pulled into the lot and I soon realized we would have to share a court. We strolled past the other polished players with all the right moves, the latest gear….the spotless game. Our selected court buddied-up to two men. I was instantly intimidated. I started to cower, thinking of excuses or a way out. Beg son for a “rain-date.”

While insecurity in skill did play a small part, it wasn’t embarrassment I mainly feared. I’m quite use to that. Why, you might even go so far as to say I live there. I paused in fear of judgment. Here we came with our casual street attire, old equipment, worn balls, lax attitudes in pursuit of entertainment. My thoughts and nerves rattled over our unconventional appearance. What would they think?

A mental siren brought these errant thoughts to a screeching halt. “Hold up! There’s more to you than this game. Remember who you are. Whose you are. Gain strength and stand secure in your identity, not what others will gather at a shallow, outward glance.”

How often do I cower at the risk of the opinions of others? How often do I become uncomfortable by allowing perceived assumptions rob me of the abundant life I’ve been given in Christ? I was ready to forego a blast tossing lobs at my son because I didn’t look the part or measure up to an imagined standard.

I don’t have to fit the mold to enjoy a particular activity. I don’t have to model perfection before others. Before God, even.

The truth in God’s Word of who I am is teaching me that I can always overcome negative thoughts and feelings when I remember my Creator, the image I bear, and the value He has assigned to my life.

I might be unconventional, but feeling secure in my relationship with Jesus Christ makes me a winner with an advantage.



Lord Jesus; Thank You for the confidence I have in You.