Letters, August 4

Dear Jesse Amstutz,
Today is your day. I thank you so much for what you've done for the tennis program, and tennis in general. I'm so glad that you picked tennis after your Paraguay excursion, because you have been a powerful force of goodness for the team, and I know this year you will be too. You've taught tennis to others this summer, little kids, my kids, random kids at Little Eden. You've led our HS summer sessions, doing a particularly awesome job in June. You've committed to your teammates. You've challenged them throughout the summer. Now you get a chance to lead us into the season. Just keep giving from the gifts that God has given you. It is evident that you have been given a talent of teaching and leading, and your season will be one of joy if keep giving those to us.

I have a prayer for you today, for everybody really, and it comes from Philippians 4: "Finally, Jesse, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from God, or seen in Jesus—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." The season is here. You are a senior. Lead us into the excellent and praiseworthy.

Dear Rain,
If you could just hold yourself off to seeing me on Sundays only, that would be perfect. See we've got this thing called tennis going on and, well, you don't mix so well. And every time you pour down, you make us work out inside - which isn't the worst thing ever, but it also isn't as good as popping balls all around the court. We're trying to get better, so only dropping 1 day a week is okay for you, right? See you on Sundays?




Dear God,
We start practice in a little over two hours from when I'm writing this. Give us the attention and belief to see how You show up today. Use us as Your community, Your group of brothers, Yours. May this all revolve around You.