Rely On Jesus For the Win

June 9, 2024
 
Reflection From the Heart of Allan Redenius
A grandpa’s perspective of watching his grandson play in a state tournament.

All of us know the pride and joy of parents when their child does well in almost anything, from academia to athletics.  But what about grandparents who quietly sit in the grandstand?

Again this year, our grandson qualified for the Iowa State High School Tennis Tournament.  If this sounds like bragging, it is not, just facts.  O.K., maybe just a little pride might show through.  But, as I think about the journey to ultimately a fourth-place finish, doing that, well, it came with a lot of sacrifice.

It all started in the 1970’s when grandma picked up a tennis racquet.  Then, our son was only one or two.  Off to the tennis court she went with son in tow, along with the play pen.  As she played tennis, our son played with his toys on the court.  She did very well and won many tournaments including the triple crown in the Fort Dodge City Tournament—singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.  Eventually, our son began to play tennis, quite well.  I don’t know how many light bulbs he busted as he hit the ball against our garage door for hours on end.  He too, was a state high school tennis qualifier and placed 6th in the state.  Along the way, our daughter fell in love with tennis.  She continued the sport through college and into her early career, meeting her tennis husband along the way.  Of course, their sons too have taken up the sport.  So, there’s a lot of history behind this year’s trip to the Iowa High School Tennis Tournament.

As play progressed, with each hit of the ball, grandpa held his breath hoping and praying this one would be a winner.  Actually, there were more winners than losers, and in the end, a fourth place finish.

Over the years, I’ve observed this about sports in general.  It’s easy to be gracious when you win but if you lose, it takes a lot more grace.

Whether you are a winner or a loser, all of us must rely on God’s grace.  When we stand before Jesus, He won’t ask about the tennis tournament, only about your winning faith will He inquire.

From grandpa---I’m so very proud of you, grandson for your accomplishment.  But even more proud of you that you rely on the grace of Jesus in your life!  That will always guarantee a win!
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Love,
Grandpa
 
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