Recognize. Remember. Bless. Pray.

This cycle has been critical to our development as disciples this year. As the season drags longer, we get wrapped up in so many things. This cycle can bring us back to where we need to be. Most of it is the "thinking" part of our "think and act" mantra. It allows God to again become a part of our thoughts, so that our actions flow out of praise, thankfulness, and truth and not the other kind of mixed up emotions that bombard us throughout life.

So what do we recognize God doing among us right now? We're all healthy heading into the tournament. We're all still in good relationships with our teammates and coaches. We've been able to come together as one, and that's exciting because it lessens the pressure come tournament time. Like Johnny said, we're not going to be disappointed in anyone, we're still going to love them. I recognize that this love and relationship-building between players happens on a small level, but to have 7, 8, 10, 12 or even more guys supporting each, their is a spirit of God at work among us. I praise God for the Spirit's presence here with us, at this point in our season.

What do we remember that God has done for us this season? I remember Johnny and Mikey's timely recovery from injury. Quicker than expected in Johnny's case. I remember the rain wiping out the Warsaw Invitational, and because of that we got to pick up Westview, Concord, and Penn. I don't know what God's involvement really was in all that, but for me, that is an example of how God steps into bad situations and makes them turn out for the good. It's such a big part of God's character to redeem bad situations and make them turn for the good. So perhaps the rain was just a natural consequence of a natural hurricane during normal hurricane season, but the natural situation was still turned for our good. I thank God that bad situations are never hopeless, because we know the Lord is at work.

How are we blessing right now? Well, the unity of the team comes to mind. And that we are hopefully lifting the other teams in the area up in prayer. And that we have been preparing to bless others because of the way that the Lord has blessed us. And that I'm constantly reminding us to think of being a bless, so much that it's all you'll probably remember of me when you all graduate and are coaching your own tennis teams. But I guess it's an okay thing to remember. I've been blessed by the way you guys take faith fairly seriously and allow me to speak about it. Let us continue to be a blessing.

And pray. The place where everything comes together. The place where we tell God of our love, and how we recognize God's work, the stories we remember of God's presence among us. The place where we ask God who in our life needs a blessing, and how we can provide it. A place of honesty, of humility, of thankfulness, of praise. A place to plead for God's presence, blessing, grace and mercy. I am not ashamed to say I will be praying right up and through the tournament, no matter what happens.

Because I have recognized that God's works all situations for good.